Tributes to long-serving Horsham councillor

Earlier this month he announced his retirement from HDC due to ill health after 25 years of serving the Trafalgar ward.

His long-time fellow ward councillor Christine Costin said: “After so long, we had come to share a strong friendship in good and bad times. We understood one another so I will miss his company, his witty remarks and extensive knowledge.”

Other members of the Lib Dem group added their tributes.

Godfrey Newman said: “He was a lovely man and was highly admired by all. I still remember one of his Irish comments which applies now at Rookwood, I wouldn’t have started from here.”

Matt Allen said he would miss Leonard’s encouragement and support, while John Milne appreciated his advice over the last year and mentioned his ‘sharp mind’.

Colin Minto paid tribute to a ‘true local legend’ and said it had been an ‘absolute pleasure and honour to work alongside him’.

He added: “He has shown and taught me so much in a very short space of time which is testament to his experience and capability, for which I cannot thank him enough for passing on to me.

Louise Potter described Leonard as one of the most sharp-witted people she had ever met, was hugely respected by all councillors, regardless of their politics, and would be greatly missed.

Ruth Fletcher said: “I will miss Leonard’s experience, independent thinking and wisdom. I appreciated the way he was generous towards and looked out for us newer councillors.”

Frances Haigh added; “I greatly enjoyed working with Leonard and watching him in action was a political masterclass. He had great wisdom and was a very astute politician. He has been a terrific representative for all of Horsham district, as well as for Horsham town where he represented Trafalgar ward.

Leonard was chairman of HDC in 2012-13 during the year of the London Olympics and was an ‘incisive’ chairman of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.

His business experience, acquired over many years as a manager and director in the airline industry, both at Gatwick and in Africa, enabled him to provide an expert eye on financial matters at the council.

He also had a strong interest in healthcare issues, being the first chairman of the Horsham and Chanctonbury Primary Care Trust and a campaigner on the difficulties of travelling to East Surrey Hospital from Horsham.

Ray Dawe, leader of the council, said: “When I first became a member of the district council some 13 years ago, I soon learned how Leonard was greatly respected by his fellow members and council officers.

“Since then, I have seen him in a number of roles for the council. In particular, I recall his year as chairman of the council where his unique style of warmth and charm but clear authority was very evident.

“Leonard was always willing to listen and adapt to other views on a matter regardless of political party and he had the ability to absorb the most complex council documents, coupled with a unique style of asking a question, softly at first and then often with a strong point at the very end.

“He will be sadly and sorely missed by us all.”

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