‘He served his community for more than 50 years’: Tributes paid to former West Northants councillor Alan Chantler
West Northamptonshire Council has lowered its flags to half-mast in tribute to Honorary Alderman and former councillor Alan Chantler following his death after a long illness.
Mr Chantler, who lived in Yelvertoft, dedicated more than five decades to public service and was widely respected across rural communities in West Northamptonshire.
He served as a Conservative councillor for 15 years, first with Daventry District Council and later with West Northamptonshire Council. In September 2025, he was awarded the title of Honorary Alderman, the highest civic honour that can be bestowed on a former councillor, in recognition of his exceptional service and commitment to local communities.
Mr Chantler had been actively involved in village life since 1973, serving as a parish councillor in Yelvertoft for more than 40 years, including 25 years as chairman.
Paying tribute, Councillor Daniel Lister, leader of the Conservative group on West Northamptonshire Council, said: “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 Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, described Mr Chantler as “a remarkable man” with a distinguished career in local government.
He said: “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.”
Mr Chantler was elected to represent Yelvertoft Ward on Daventry District Council in 2010 and served until the authority was dissolved in 2021 following local government reorganisation. During his time there he held the strategic planning portfolio and undertook both chair and vice-chair roles.
Following the creation of West Northamptonshire Council, he represented Braunston and Crick ward and served on the Strategic Planning Committee. He also took on the roles of disability champion and heritage champion.
Away from local politics, Mr Chantler spent his entire professional career in higher education. He retired as head of computing and software engineering at Coventry University and later worked as a consultant for the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, assessing teaching standards at universities across England.