John Davies was elected to KCC in 2001 as the Conservative member for Southborough, and went on to represent Tunbridge Wells West until 2017.
He chaired County Hall’s Planning Applications Committee for eight years and was an HR and PR director in the financial services industry,
Mr Davies is also a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of The Clockmakers Company.
He said: “I love Kent and all that it stands for. I was the first Chairman to bestow these honours in 2009 to eight former Councillors.
“When I was Chairman undertaking the citizenship ceremonies, I referred to the Kent flag as being the oldest symbol of local government in existence today. In Anglo-Saxon times we were known as the Kingdom of Kent… I would much rather have been the King of Kent rather than the Chairman!.
“You seldom achieve things on your own. I would not be here today if not for the support of my fellow Councillors of all parties and the first-class officers we have in Kent – and my wife Christine.
