The Worshipful the Mayor of Stafford Borough
Councillor Andy Cooper 2023 - 2024
Andy is a born and bred Staffordshire man, who grew up in Burton on Trent.
He worked initially in Rolls Royce (Aero engine division) in Derby, where he also lived for a few years.
Taking a change in career direction, he moved to work in the Brewing industry back in Burton for what was then Ind Coope.
The head office engineering section of the brewery was sold off to a management buyout which Andy helped to set up.
Remaining with this company for 36 years, through many mergers and changes of parent company, he focused on Project Management and consultancy work that aimed to improve maintenance systems, production processes and health and safety.
He achieved a Master’s degree through the Open University and is more than aware that education is a life-long opportunity.
He has lived in Great Haywood since 2005 and is passionate about this beautiful area of Staffordshire. The possibility of significant development between Little Haywood and Great Haywood encouraged Andy to get involved in local politics. He eventually became Chairman of Colwich Parish Council, enabling him to guide the council in the development of a Neighbourhood Plan to help control development in the area. Andy also helped establish the Colwich Youth Council encouraging young people under 18 to get involved in local politics.
At the 2019 Borough Council election, he was elected ward member for Milford and then in May 2023 Andy was re-elected as Councillor for Haywood and Hixon Ward.
Now retired Andy has a son and grandson. He is a Lay Reader in the Church of England and enjoys walking, gardening, Morris Dancing and travelling in the family motorhome with his wife Judy and their chihuahua.
The Mayor’s charities for the year are Katherine House Hospice and The Little Laura Charity, which raises funds for children with special needs and/or disabilities.
Mayoress - Mrs Judy Cooper
Judy was born in Daventry, Northamptonshire and educated at Daventry William Parker School.
She has worked mainly in a sales environment, initially selling advertising space for a local newspaper in her early career, and then in estate agency over the last 35 years, selling both new build properties directly for developers as well as existing properties.
Judy considers her greatest achievements are her children, Nicholas and Lindsey, who have now blessed her with three wonderful grandchildren, Molly, Amelia and Dexter.
Walking is one of her passions and enjoys the Staffordshire countryside immensely, considering herself very fortunate to live in such a beautiful county.
She is a keen supporter of the local warm spaces initiative and is a member of the local craft and chat group.
Supporting her husband Andy as Mayoress, she hopes to be involved in many events, and raising funds for local charities.