Local Politicians Pay Tribute to Former Mayor of Tamworth

Following the sad passing of former Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Brian Beale, local politicians have paid tribute to him as both a councillor and a friend.

Leading the tributes, Tamworth’s MP Christopher Pincher, said, “Brian was a fine Mayor of Tamworth and a conscientious councillor.  He fought illness very bravely and he will be much missed by all of his many friends.  We will all be thinking of Val and their family over Christmas and New Year.”

The Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Tina Clements, said, “I have known Brian for most of my adult life – since I moved to Tamworth in 1995.  He was the first person I met at a social event for the Conservative Party and he also encouraged me to stand as a politician.  It is nice to know I can thank him for where I am today.

“He was an inspiration to me, both personally and also offered me help and support as a councillor.  I know I speak for everyone who either worked alongside Brian or knew him personally, that he will be sorely missed.  I would like to offer my thoughts to Brian’s family at this very said time.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr Daniel Cook, added, “I have had the privilege of working alongside Brian for almost a decade and he was a well-respected and important member of this council.

“When I was first elected in 2004 as a very young councillor, Brian was a senior figure who I soon learned was a person I could always trust and seek guidance from.  To this day, I have respected Brian’s advice and will always remember – as will others – what a true gentleman he was.

“He was very well thought of by every single councillor, along with the people who lived in the ward he represented.  I personally will miss his valuable contribution to Tamworth and also his friendship.  It is a very sad time for everyone who knew Brian and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Brian’s family and friends.”

Cllr Philip Atkins, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, added to the tributes, “I and the rest of the county council are saddened by the news of Brian’s passing; he was a good loyal friend to us and did much good work in his community, which I saw first hand.

“Brian will be sorely missed by his many friends on the county council, as well as colleagues who were at Tamworth Borough Council while he was Mayor of the town.  Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Plans for the funeral are still underway and the flag on Marmion House will be flown at half mast as a mark of respect.