Council pays tribute to Honorary Alderman and former councillor Alan Chantler

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is today lowering its flags in tribute to Honorary Alderman and former councillor Alan Chantler who has passed away following a long illness.

Alan was well known within the rural communities having served as Conservative councillor for 15 years, initially with Daventry District Council and then as a West Northamptonshire councillor until 2025. In September last year he was made an Honorary Alderman, the highest civic honour that can be awarded to a former councillor recognising their exceptional service and dedication to both public service and the communities they have represented.

Alan lived in Yelvertoft and had been an active member of the community since 1973 serving as a Parish Councillor for over 40 years, including 25 years as its chairman.

“Alan served his community for more than 50 years and was particularly passionate about ensuring the voices of rural and small communities were heard.

“He will be greatly missed by colleagues and within his community and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”Councillor Daniel Lister, Leader of the Conservative Group on WNC

“Alan was a remarkable man, with a long and distinguished career in local politics who served his community with real commitment and truly deserved the title of Honorary Alderman.

“His dedication to residents was unlimited, even when he was not in the best of health. As a mark of respect, we will be lowering our flags to half-mast.”Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council

In 2010 he was elected to Yelvertoft Ward at Daventry District Council, where he served until its dissolution in 2021 and held the portfolio for Strategic Planning as well as Chair and Vice-Chair roles. Most recently after local government reorganisation he was a West Northamptonshire Councillor for Braunston and Crick ward and served as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. He has also acted as Disability Champion and Heritage Champion.

Alan’s entire professional life was spent in higher education, and he retired as Head of Computing and Software Engineering at Coventry University. For many years he was retained as a consultant by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in England and visited many universities to report on their provision of teaching.