Cllr Shaukat Ali, the longest serving British Kashmiri Muslim councillor in Dudley’s history, received the freedom of the borough in recognition of his 27 years of service to the community.

A Dudley councillor with 27 years of experience as a member of the authority has been made a freeman of the borough.

Cllr Shaukat Ali, leader of the council’s Labour group, celebrated the award at a ceremony at Dudley Council House on October 16.

Cllr Ali, who represents the St Thomas’s ward, is the longest serving British Kashmiri Muslim councillor in Dudley’s history and the first to receive the freedom of the borough in 127 years.

Cllr Shaukat Ali celebrates becoming a Freeman of the Borough of Dudley. | Dudley Council

placeholder image — Cllr Shaukat Ali celebrates becoming a Freeman of the Borough of Dudley. | Dudley Council

Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Ali said “This is the greatest honour of my life. I am deeply humbled and immensely proud to receive the freedom of the borough.

“I arrived in Dudley as a nine-year-old boy and could never have imagined that one day I would receive this extraordinary honour. Dudley became my home, gave me opportunities and allowed me the privilege of serving its people.

“This honour belongs not just to me, but to my late parents, my family, friends, colleagues and, above all, the residents of St Thomas’s ward who have placed their trust in me for more than 27 years.”

Cllr Ali received his award at a ceremony hosted by Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Pete Lowe which was attended by civic dignitaries, community leaders, family and friends.

Cllrs Adeela Qayyum and Shazna Azad with Cllr Shaukat Ali as the three St Thomas's ward councillors celebrate Cllr Ali becoming a freeman of Dudley. | Dudley Council

Other recipients of the award in 2026 include England footballers Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers as well as former Dudley College Principal Lowell Williams, Armed Forces veterans, and Priory Boxing Club.

While the freedom of the borough can be awarded to organisations including military units to recognise outstanding service, other well-known individuals to receive the honour include wheelchair tennis champion Jordanne Whiley and comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry who grew near in Buffery Park in Dudley, in the ward represented by Cllr Ali.

Speaking at the ceremony Cllr Ali said: “I hope my journey inspires young people from all backgrounds to believe they can make a difference in public life.”