It was the end of an era as some of Kirklees’s best-known councillors got an emotional send-off in recognition of their decades of service.
They received tributes from fellow councillors as Kirklees Council met in Huddersfield Town Hall.
Clr Cath Harris, (Ashbrow), who rose to become a Cabinet member, and Peter O’Neill, (Batley West), who has sat in the Cabinet for six years, had emotional tributes paid to them. Both are standing down for health reasons.
Also departing the scene ahead of the May elections for health reasons is former planning sub-committe chairman, Cliff Preest, (Dalton). In addition it was revealed Tony Brice, (Lindley), Elaine Ward, (Denby Dale) and James Blanchard, (Almondbury) are also standing down.
Her voice breaking with emotion, Kirklees deputy leader, Clr Jean Calvert, said: “I have known Cath Harris for 25 years and she is one of the best sort of people, full of kindness, politeness and humility... her impact has been tremendous. Cath, we are so sorry that your time has come to an end.”
And in a generous tribute to his Dalton colleague, Clr Preest, Cabinet member Peter McBride, said he had found his ward contribution invaluable and his going was a “great loss to local government.”
Of Clr Ward’s departure, Conservative group leader, Robert Light, said she was “someone, very straight-talking and who told you whether you liked it or not. She has had difficult health times.”
Clr O’Neill thanked everyone for their good wishes. He was warmly applauded as he admitted public speaking was “an immense effort for me” but said he had received “rapturous applause at the end of my speech in Leeds recently.” And he drew laughter when he admitted: “Sitting in this chamber has not been the most enjoyable part of my time as a councillor.” But he said he had enjoyed spending time with colleagues, officers and members of the community.
