TRIBUTES have been paid to the Deputy Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Councillor Chris Abbott, who sadly passed away on Saturday 7 January, 2017.
Chris had served as a councillor in Redcar and Cleveland for 30 years, elected in 1987 to represent the Newcomen ward.
He was a Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration between 2003 and 2007, and became Deputy Mayor in 2016.
Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Councillor Barry Hunt, said: “Chris was a close colleague and a welcome support as Deputy Mayor. I was shocked and saddened to hear about his death at the weekend, and my sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Councillor Sue Jeffrey, said: “I worked with Chris for a long time and he had many years of experience in local politics. He will be remembered for his passion and his strong principles, and will be missed by everyone at the council.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Josh Mason, said: “Chris was a bastion of local democracy and a lifelong liberal, whose knowledge, passion and dedicated community work have been an inspiration to us all. Redcar & Cleveland Council will be a lesser place without his principled values, commitment and tireless efforts for local people.
“I offer sincere condolences to Chris’s family and to all who knew him, as we mourn together, the loss of a dear friend.”
Chief Executive of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Amanda Skelton, said: “This tragic news has come as a huge shock to all the staff, particularly those who worked closely with Chris. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Chris leaves three children and six grandchildren.