At last night’s full council meeting tributes were paid to two former Isle of Wight councillors who had passed away.
Both councillors were former Conservatives, Margaret Webster from East Cowes, and George Brown from Cowes, both councillors held their roles from 2005-2013.
George Brown
George Brown (pictured above) held the position of Deputy Leader, as well as being the Cabinet member in charge of finances. After reading law at Cambridge, George joined ICI working in HR at their Head Office.
He went on to hold Director and Chairmanship roles before becoming a founding partner in a firm of international merger and acquisition brokers. He then moved into managing and directing seaside tourist accommodation.
Pugh: He was both a giant and a gent
Former Conservative Isle of Wight council leader, David Pugh, told News OnTheWight,
“My good friend and former colleague George Brown has sadly passed away.
“George and I were both elected to the Isle of Wight Council in 2005; going on to serve two terms (until 2013) alongside each other. For the latter six of these years, we worked very closely together as the leader and deputy leader of the local authority.
“Although George was my deputy, it was really a partnership of equals. His wise counsel was essential in curbing my youthful exuberance, and – despite an age difference of over 40 years – we got on tremendously.
“He was both a giant and a gent – and I’m pleased to have had the privilege of knowing and spending much time with him.
“As recently as November, George and I were exchanging messages here on Facebook, as he continued to take an interest in what I was doing.
“My heartfelt condolences to George’s family. I look forward to attending the celebration of his life in the near future.”
Ward: He certainly knew his business
Councillor Ian Ward said,
“Surprised to hear the news. George was certainly a character: A bit like Marmite, you either took to him or your didn’t. But a very good councillor, a good manager, he certainly knew his business and what he did.
“He used to do the budget as well. And quite often, although he would have tussles with officers over policies and things like that, I’m sorry to hear that he’s gone.”
Churchman: He was an extremely intelligent man
Councillor Vanessa Churchman (Con) added,
“He and I did have our differences on one or two occasions, but he was an extremely intelligent man and worked very hard.”
Tributes to Margaret Webster
Councillor Karl Love (Alliance) said,
“I shall miss MW deeply and the fun that we had in our very non-political council meetings and it came as a great shock to everyone there.
“She’d done more than 25 years service to East Cowes Town council and that’s an incredibly length of time given that we all have to be elected and I know that the council are deeply shocked and our condolences go to her family but the thing that we try to hang on to is all the happy things that we did as a council and what we achieved together for the people of the Isle of Wight.”
Councillor Churchman said,
“I would like to add that Margaret Webster really was a lovely lady.
“Very honest, very straightforward and a very kindly person.”
Councillor Ward, also expressed his sorrow at the passing of Margaret, saying,
“She was an ardent supporter of her East Cowes community, they were her first priority in anything that she did.
“More so over her political affiliations, she really did love and support her community.”
Margaret’s funeral will take place on Friday 9th February at 1.30pm at the Isle of Wight Crematorium.
