It was with shock and sadness that the Council learned of the death of Cllr Les Gilbert on Tuesday 18th April.
Cllr Les Gilbert, who represented Dane Valley, had been a Conservative member of Cheshire East Council since the authority was created in 2009 and was re-elected in 2011, 2015 and 2019. He served notably as a cabinet member for communities under the previous Conservative administration and sat on a wide range of Committees during his period of office.
His experience encompassed licensing; appeals, where he had been vice chair; southern planning, where he had also been vice chair; public rights or way and he was Chair of the environment and prosperity overview and scrutiny committee. He also served on the board of Tatton Park and was a member of the Brighter Future Members’ Forum. Cllr Gilbert was also a member of Cranage Parish Council within his Ward.
Conservative group leader Janet Clowes reflected;
“It was with both shock and deep sadness that we heard of Cllr Gilbert’s sudden passing. He was a dedicated and long-serving public servant and a deeply admired and respected colleague. He understood the needs of his constituency and had a built a successful working partnership with his ward colleague, Cllr Andrew Kolker.
“Although Cllr Gilbert had decided to retire from local government, he continued to bring forward important policy initiatives including the reduction of air pollution around schools. His experience, dedication and dry humour will be very much missed.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his partner, Glynis, and his family at this sad time.”