New Chair makes declaration to serve South Derbyshire

Councillor Alistair Tilley, District Councillor for the Linton Ward, was last night officially voted in as the new Chair of South Derbyshire District Council.

Cllr Tilley follows Cllr Angela Archer, who has done a phenomenal job over the past year, attending over 100 events, meeting local residents and community groups, as well as sharing key moments with her fellow Mayors and Chairs across Derbyshire.

It’s now the turn of Cllr Tilley, as he accepts the Chain of Office and starts his year in this historic role.

Cllr Tilley – past and present

Alistair Tilley came to Linton in 1986 to work for the National Coal Board and worked as an under-ground supervisor at Daw Mill Colliery. He then moved from mining coal to burning coal at Rugeley Power Station as a senior member of the Operations Team. Now retired, Cllr Tilley lives with his wife Lenore, who worked as a physiotherapist for the NHS for over 40 years, and will be his Consort for the year. The couple who live in Linton have been Coton Park residents for over 40 years, and raised their three children there, who all attended Linton School.

Cllr Tilley was elected to South Derbyshire District Council on 4 May 2023, to represent the Linton Ward. He is currently a member of the Environmental and Development Services Committee and the Audit and Governance Committee. He attends all Parish Council meetings in the Linton Ward, and has been a Linton Parish Councillor for over 20 years. He is currently the Chair of Linton Parish Council. With the new settlement of Dracan Village being a part of his Ward, Cllr Tilley keeps an eye on planning matters and is working hard to resolve the lack of community facilities in the village.

A keen cyclist and walker, Cllr Tilley has walked the 286 mile Pennine Way and cycled over 860 miles from John O’Groats to Lands’ End. He hopes to bring this passion for cycling into his charity work over the coming year, as he raises funds for his chosen charity, Miles for Smiles.

The Chair’s Chosen Charity

Miles for Smiles is a much-loved local charity, whose mission is to relieve the needs of people with life limiting or life changing health conditions, or who are disabled living in South Derbyshire, North-West Leicestershire or East Staffordshire. The charity provides grants, memorable experiences -through days out or mini breaks - to individuals in need, to enhance their quality of life. Charities and other voluntary community organisations who support those in need and who’s charitable purposes are in line with those of Miles for Smiles, are often also supported by the charity.

Cllr Alistair Tilley, Chair of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “I am honoured to be elected Chair of South Derbyshire District Council. With so much change in the world, particularly in our world as we look ahead to Local Government Reorganisation, preserving these traditions for as long as we are able to is important; I’m delighted that I get to play my part in that.

“Lenore and I are really looking forward to getting out and about, meeting members of our community and learning more about all the wonderful work taking place across the District, as well as taking part in our fantastic Council-run events.

“I would like to express my thanks and admiration to Cllr Archer and her Consort, Sue Taylor, who have carried out their roles over the past year with a real passion for the work of local people, and a drive to raise funds for the Chair’s chosen charity.”

Cllr Alistair Tilley made his declaration to accept the office of Chair of South Derbyshire District Council at the Annual Civic Council, held on Thursday 21 May 2026.  

The Vice Chair

At the Civic Council Meeting, Woodville District Councillor, Cllr Stephen Taylor, was elected as the Vice Chair of South Derbyshire District Council for 2026-27.

If you would like to invite the Chair or Vice Chair to your local event or celebration, please visit the website: Chair of the Council | South Derbyshire District Council

22 May 2026