Statements from Martin Horwood MP and Cllr Steve Jordan about Cllr John Morris (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Statements from Martin Horwood MP and Cllr Steve Jordan about Cllr John Morris

August 6, 2010 1:02 PM

"I was shocked to learn today of the death of Councillor John Morris. I have known John for nearly thirty years. He was a larger than life character - just as much so last week as he was when I first met him all those years ago. John was absolutely committed to Cheltenham and to his constituents in Springbank. As a courageous campaigner and councillor and cabinet member, he was never afraid to voice strong opinions and fight for what he believed to be right. He had a healthy Liberal disrespect for titles and authority. When I was elected as the MP, he loved reminding me that he'd known me since I was in short trousers and I shouldn't get ideas above my station!

Sometimes the strength of his opinions did lead to some fairly spectacular arguments but with John it was never personal. He could tell you where you were going wrong one minute and invite you down the Motor Club for a pint the next. And he always did make the time to have fun and make sure everyone else had fun too. One of my lasting memories of John will be taking him to his first ever national party conference in his late sixties last year and discovering him in the conference hotel bar in the wee small hours one night having a great party with members of Liberal Youth. Only last week he hosted the Cheltenham Lib Dem summer barbeque in his beautiful garden and was as full of opinions and life and energy as ever. That will be how we all remember him.

My thoughts are with Pat and the whole family today."

Comment from Cllr Steve Jordan, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council:

"This has come as a great shock and our first thoughts are with John's wife Pat and their family at this sad time. I've known John for many years and things won't be the same without him. He was always prepared to stir things up to get things done and while this sometimes ruffled feathers it was always intended to get the best for the people of Cheltenham or his local ward of Springbank. The local press will also have lost a good source of stories as John was always ready with tips of articles they should cover. My lasting memories of John will be his enthusiasm, infectious laughter and friendship over the years."