Brighton and Hove honours former council leader

Tributes have been paid to former council leader Brian Oxley who has been made an Honorary Alderman of Brighton and Hove.

Mr Oxley received the award at a special meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council after a unanimous vote by councillors of all parties.

He was first elected to the old Hove Borough and served as a councillor for 16 years, holding Westbourne ward at the local elections a year ago. He was Conservative leader of the city council in 2007-08.

He stepped down as a councillor in the autumn to take care of his elderly father.

Green councillor Bill Randall, the current council leader, led the tributes.

He said that Mr Oxley had a deep knowledge of local government and had given outstanding service.

He said: “I have worked with and crossed swords with Brian since I was elected in 2003.

“I always found him a worthy, well-versed and knowledgeable opponent with a very sharp political mind.

“There isn’t much about local government that Brian doesn’t know and he was always immensely helpful to other councillors of all parties in my experience.

“Hard working and diligent, Brian had a very high reputation as a ward councillor, as I found on the doorstep when I canvassed during the Westbourne by-election that followed his resignation.

“Brian has always been immensely well mannered and fair, both inside and outside the council chamber and his presence is greatly missed by colleagues, opponents and council officers.”

Labour group leader Gill Mitchell, Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald and his former ward colleague Councillor Denise Cobb also praised him.

In turn, Mr Oxley thanked his former colleagues – political friends and foes – and the electors of Westbourne for placing their trust in him.

He said: “The past 16 years have been some of the happiest of my life. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve.”