A former South Gloucestershire council leader has died. Alderman John Calway, who was from Longwell Green in South Gloucestershire, passed away on Wednesday, August 3 after suffering from cancer over the past year.
John played a huge role in local government and was a local councillor from 1980 until 2014. He represented Longwell Green, was the Conservative Group leader for South Gloucestershire and was leader of South Gloucestershire Council between 2007 and 2014.
In a statement, South Gloucestershire Council said: "John was also at the forefront of setting up the West of England Partnership, the Local Enterprise Partnership and was also a member of the Strategic Leaders Board.
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He was awarded the title of Honorary Alderman in 2015 in recognition of his outstanding service."
Leader of South Gloucestershire Council councillor Toby Savage said: “John was a towering giant of South Gloucestershire and West of England politics and he leaves a lasting legacy from his decades of distinguished public service. His values of responsibility, hard work and family were apparent throughout his life, including in his political career, and he inspired many along the way - myself included.
"I was proud to call John a friend, colleague and mentor and honoured to follow in his footsteps as Councillor for Longwell Green, Conservative Group and Council Leader. Such was his immense impact, there will be countless people whose thoughts will be with John's family at this incredibly sad time. They should know that his achievements will never be forgotten."
Leader of the Labour group councillor Pat Rooney said: “I served as a Labour Councillor with John on both Kingswood Borough and South Gloucestershire Councils for many years and am saddened by his passing. He was a well respected and very genuine man who truly cared for his residents.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrat group councillor Claire Young said: “John was well respected across the council chamber. During his time as Leader of Council, he had to grapple with many difficult decisions affecting residents and worked with others to try to get the best solutions for local people.”
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