Tributes have been paid to Lord Jeremy Beecham, the LGA’s first chair, who died in April, aged 81.
Lord Beecham (Lab) was first elected to Newcastle City Council in 1967, aged 22. He went on to become its longest-serving leader, from 1977 to 1994.
He chaired the Association of Metropolitan Authorities from 1991 and, as such, helped lead the creation of the Local Government Association in 1997 – serving as the new organisation’s first chair to 2004 and, thereafter, as an LGA vice-chair.
He was knighted in 1994, became a life peer in 2010, and retired from politics because of ill health in 2022.
Cllr Louise Gittins, LGA Chair, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Beecham, whose long career in local government included 55 years as a councillor in Newcastle and being instrumental to the setting up of the LGA as our first chair.
“He played a pivotal role in shaping the voice of local authorities, and his leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to public service leaves an enduring mark on local government across the country.
“The thoughts of all of us in local government are with his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations in local government.”