I love many things about being a councillor. Although as with all responsibilities, it does have its drawbacks, which I think are important to highlight.
The hours that councillors work are long and anti-social. (Most evenings in the week are taken up with meetings, often not finishing before 9pm, and sometimes even later!)
As a councillor, you never feel like you’ve done enough, and that there is more you can do. Councillors across the country and the political divide are concerned about public perceptions of them – about their powers, functions, abilities, and responsibilities.
Our councillors are far from ‘Living the life of Riley’, nor are they ‘well-meaning volunteers’ but most are professional-minded, dedicated people who operate in a political environment where they have to made difficult choices, often without the powers to tackle the problems that confront their areas.
Councillors are dedicated to their communities and motivated by a deep sense of public service and I must confess it makes our roles easier when the public, media, and other levels of politicians understand the pressures we face and the limitations on our office.
Things certainly have harder over the years as funding has reduced and challenges increased.
In England, some 90% of councillors are members of the three main political parties – so national party politics looms large in everything we do.
This brings me nicely to former Cllr Brian Ford who enjoyed the cut and thrust of local politics as much as anyone but committed his true energies to working towards common goals for the benefit of all residents.
Known affectionately by his colleagues as ‘The Father of the House’, Brian was well known as a dedicated and passionate advocate for his community and was actively involved in a number of important local community campaigns.
In his role as the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, he faced one of the greatest challenges we have faced in recent times, the Covid-19 pandemic. It was in this role that Brian oversaw Swindon’s response to the pandemic,
In recognition of his long-standing service and commitment to the borough, Brian was recently honoured by being awarded the title of Alderman of the Borough, a title awarded to former councillors for their distinguished service.
Honorary Alderman is the highest recognition of excellent service that can be bestowed on former councillors and it is right that Brian Ford was awarded this honour.
Brian sadly passed away last year but his love of his community was clear and very much reciprocated. He will always be remembered and held in high esteem by all sides of the Chamber for his long service and unparalleled hard work.
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