Tributes paid to Seaford councillor - ‘a gentle giant with a heart of gold’

Ian White, a Conservative councillor serving on Lewes District Council, passed away suddenly on Thursday (July 23).

A former Metropolitan Police officer, Cllr White was a well-known figure in Seaford town life, having previously served as leader of Seaford Town Council as well as current ward member for Seaford West.

Tributes were led by his fellow west ward member, Cllr Liz Boorman. She said: “Ian was a dedicated councillor serving both the town and district over a number of years.

“Ian was passionate about the town and was a well-respected member of the community. 

“He was a friend and Conservative colleague who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.”

Cllr White was a repeated member of Lewes District Council, most recently elected at the May 2019 local elections.

He had also been chairman of Seaford Conservatives and, earlier this week, was chosen as the Conservative group’s pick to be chairman of Lewes District Council. 

Cllr Julian Peterson, who represents Seaford East Ward, said, on hearing the news: “Ian was a passionate Conservative who had served West Ward as a town and district councillor.  

“He was respected by his council colleagues and could be a formidable speaker. He had a great sense of humour.“

Seaford county, district and town councillor Phil Boorman added: “He was a gentle giant. Ian was the most genuine and generous person that anyone could ever meet, he had an absolute heart of gold.

“I’m totally shocked that he’s gone. RIP and fly high, Ian – you were a great friend and colleague.”

Tributes were also paid by Lewes MP Maria Caulfield. She said: “Ian was a big part of Seaford and did so much for the local community from raising money for local charities to serving on the council.

“His sudden death has left us all shocked and my thoughts and prayers are with Jan and his family.”

Earlier today, the district council flag was flown at half-mast on its headquarters, Southover House in Lewes, in memory of Cllr White.

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