Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
17 September 2009
13:0029052#1
I have recieved an e-mail today to say that Peter Wells former Labour leader on Dover District Council has died overnight at Margate Hospice.I know he had been unwell for some time,and although I never had the pleasure of working with him I know he was passionate about the Dover area and Deal in particular.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 687- Registered: 2 Jun 2009
- Posts: 513
17 September 2009
14:4329054#2
Although Peter was leader when I resigned, this was in no way a reflection on him as a man. He was a true gentleman of considerable stature who would always consider everyones point of view. He was a great believer in the democratic process and a credit to his party and the Firemans Union which he represented.
It was a great pleasure to have known him. I offer my sincere condolances to his wife and family.
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
17 September 2009
16:4829056#3
I to am very sorry to hear this news .I found Peter to be a gentleman and I was sorry when he left the council at the last election .RIP
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
17 September 2009
18:1429072#4
I didnt know him well having just met him once at the original Gateway Centre opening, he was leader of the Labour opposition here for many years and indeed was leader of the Council before Paul Watkins won over. He lost his seat at the last election as I remember and at that point Ben Bano took over as Labour Leader. He wasnt old by any means so sad to see another chap go before his time.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
18 September 2009
07:0829109#5
I'm sure Paul Watkins would like to say something about Peter, he spoke very well of him when he was alive and at the Council Chamber.
Peter's hands seemed to be tied too many times by the rest of his party and he wasn't always able to make a firm decision because of his fellow Labour (shadow) cabinet and party.
He always seemed a fair man.
Condolences to his family.
As you said Paul, far too young to die, but then, so many are nowadays.
Roger
Unregistered User
18 September 2009
18:5029147#6
Others have made very accurate contributions about Peter. I enjoyed working with Peter. We would cut each other up across the theatre of the Council Chamber but behind the scenes he was a decent man and certainly supported the growth and economic development of the area. He was a man of the community but would stand out and be unpopular to deliver hard long term decisions.
We often had chats about the constraints of Leadership and away "from the ranch" at conferences enjoyed a glass or two discussing matters other than politics. Peter was a rugby fan and an active Vice President of the Deal Wanderers Rugby Club. He was also a shy man in public away from the stage.
From a personal view I was extremely sad when he lost his seat at the last DDC elections.
His contributions to secondary education in Deal in difficult times should not be ignored. Others reap the benefit of Peter's leadership decisions.
Deal Pier's refurbishment may not have happened had Peter not had "the balls" to take the initial decision.
Peter and I made many cross party Ministerial visits to Westminster supporting the causes of the area. We never differed in representing the needs of our community.
We both shared Leadership responsibilities and developed a bond of common understanding.
I just hope his contributions will be recognised and not lost through memories of difficult decisions.
Peter was a principled man.
RIP Peter.
Watty
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
18 September 2009
19:1129148#7
well said paul, i remember after the last council elections, you said that it was regrettable that he had lost his seat as both of you had worked well on the dtiz project.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
19 September 2009
09:0029162#8
Very well said there Paul. Its encouraging for us mere mortals on the outside to hear that people running things can actually like each other irrespective of party allegiances. It leaves us with a more optimistic feeling somehow.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
24 September 2009
14:1229333#9
Oh dear I will tone down my contribution
Firstly
Peter and I served in the cabinet with him was a true gentleman, and one that quietly led.
Like any leader we had our diffrences, but peter would sit down and discuss things.
There always will be differing views on how to get thre best out of councils, via diffrent parties, but peter made big moves to push the labour flag but at the same time make sure the council didnt lose sight of the direction it wanted to go.
As Paul says there was strong opposition to peters moves on Deal pier, but peter stuck at it.
We all used to get frustrated at the machinery of politics, peter just the same.
Peter was always out on the doorstep canvassing, lobbying, speaking in the chamber, and speaking for constituents, one of the few councillors/candidates who would go out most days(sometimes 2 or 3 times in a day)
He was passionate about the LABOUR PARTY
he was passionate for Deal
He was passionate for the District
He was a true believer in democracy, my thoughts and symathy go to his family
thankyou Peter for all the help you gave me over the years
your family i'm sure are proud of your achievements