Mr Keith Sears celebrated the extraordinary milestone of serving the borough with honour for 50 years in January 2026.
He was first elected to the council in May 1975 as a representative for Aldridge North and Walsall Wood ward, and he remained a steadfast champion for the Walsall borough until his retirement earlier this month.
In the 1994-1995 municipal year, Mr Sears was inaugurated as the Mayor of Walsall. During his years of service, he chaired the Licensing & Safety Committee, and up until his recent retirement, he continued to share wisdom on the Scrutiny Overview and Guidance Committee, the Standards Committee, and the Employment Appeals Sub‑Committee A.
During his municipal year, Mr Sears raised monies for causes close to his heart including Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Chemotherapy Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital.
“ I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Mayor Keith Sears. Achieving fifty years of public service shows his longstanding loyalty to the borough of Walsall and his commitment to making a difference across our communities.
Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Alan Fleming
“On behalf of all at Walsall Council, I’d like to extend our condolences to Keith’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time. “
Walsall Council
