Tributes paid to former Mayor of Swindon
Brian Ford passed away suddenly last week having stood down as a councillor last month
Tributes are being paid to a former Swindon Borough Councillor who's died after 38 years of service to the Wroughton area.
Brian Ford passed away suddenly last week having stood down as a councillor last month.
Among his most prominent roles, he oversaw Swindon's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, represented as Swindon's mayor and served as a Governor of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Brian was a hard-working councillor who was passionate about Wroughton and serving his local community as best he could.
“I enjoyed our exchanges in council meetings and, while we had our political differences, he commanded great respect from everyone in the Chamber. He would also always be happy to work collaboratively with the Labour Group. He was a lovely man.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “Brian was rather like the ‘father of the group’. Good advice always available, based on his years of experience.
“Behind the scenes he was a great friend who loved his golf and a glass of good red wine. He was fantastic company, loved his village of Wroughton and will be greatly missed by all of us in the Conservative Group.”