Tributes paid after death of North Somerset councillor
Terry Porter passed away last week
Councillors across the political spectrum have paid tribute to Terry Porter who has died after serving on North Somerset Council for 17 years.
Mr Porter was elected to the council as a Conservative councillor for Hutton and Locking in 2009, and was one of the most active councillors. He died peacefully at his home on Friday June 26.
Michael Pryke (Clevedon Walton), leader of the council’s opposition Conservative group, said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr Porter’s death. He said: “I will personally miss his advice and thoughtful contributions shared with his usual good humour and charm.”
Mr Pryke said: “Terry dedicated his life to public service and to the communities he loved. Having first served as a councillor on Hutton Parish Council, he was elected to North Somerset Council in 2009 to represent the residents of Hutton and Locking, a role he carried out with unwavering commitment for more than 17 years.
“Throughout his time on North Somerset Council, Terry served in a number of important positions, including chair of Council. He was widely respected across the political spectrum as a thoughtful, diligent and principled councillor.”
In a post shared on Facebook, councillor Steve Bridger (Yatton, Independent) said: “I can’t quite believe we have lost Terry. I held him in the highest regard and seemed to bump into him everywhere because he was one of those councillors who was always visible and engaged.
“It’s all too easy to be cynical about politics and those who serve in it, but Terry was genuinely the epitome of a conscientious, passionate, and genuinely kind public servant, and the council is poorer for his passing.”
Mr Porter was vice-chair of the council’s planning committee, and sat on two scrutiny panels. At April’s full council meeting, he made a passionate speech urging councillors to support the proposal to turn the Tropicana into a major music arena, warning: “I think this is the last chance for the Tropicana.”
He said he had grown up swimming at the seafront lido in the 1950s and 1960s. In 2012, he went against the rest of the Conservative administration when they voted to knock it down. A revised version of the arena proposal was approved with the full support of the Conservative group in May.
Council leader Mike Bell (Weston-super-Mare Central, Liberal Democrat) called Mr Porter a “strong community champion.” He said: “Terry always put his residents first and was a voice of common sense in the council. Though I did not share his politics, Terry was always somebody you could work with constructively and who was interested in making a difference, not arguing about party views.”
Catherine Gibbons (Weston-super-Mare Milton), who leads the Labour group on the council, said: “Although we sat on opposite sides of the political chamber, I always found Terry to be kind, thoughtful and approachable. He had integrity and a genuine commitment to doing what he believed was best for the people he represented. He will be greatly missed by colleagues and by the many people whose lives he touched through his years of public service.”
She added: “Terry devoted many years of his life to serving the people of Hutton and Locking, first on Hutton Parish Council and then on North Somerset Council from 2009. He took on a number of important roles during that time, including chair of council and chair of the community and corporate organisation panel. He brought a wealth of experience, sound judgement and a calm, considered approach to everything he did, and he earned the respect of colleagues from across the political spectrum.
“Terry’s commitment didn’t stop at the council chamber. He cared deeply about his community and gave his time so generously, whether through the Hutton Horticultural Society, organising the annual Hutton Show, or supporting local fundraising. He was someone who quietly got on with making a difference, and Hutton is a better place because of his dedication.”
Mr Pryke said Mr Porter had been “a pillar of the Hutton community.” He said: “He devoted countless hours to local organisations and causes, particularly through his work with the Hutton Horticultural Society, helping to organise fundraising events and the much-loved annual Hutton Show. His contribution to village life was immense and leaves a lasting legacy.
“On behalf of the Conservative group, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Terry’s wife Jan, his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“Terry’s dedication to public service, his kindness and his steadfast commitment to his community will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by colleagues across North Somerset and by the many residents whose lives he touched over the years.”