Tribute to Tony Phillips

11.49.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 25th Jun 2009

On behalf of Wiltshire Council Liberal Democrat Group I'd like to pay tribute to Tony Phillips who has died at the age of 82 just a couple of weeks after being elected to represent Southwick and North Bradley on the new Wiltshire Council.

I've known Tony since 1995, have stood against him in one election (2005 - neither of us won), and had the benefit of his conversation and advice on innumerable occasions, of which the most recent was only a few days ago when he was full of the joys of spring and looking forward assertively to his role on the new council.

Although he returned to the Conservative fold in recent years Tony was always independent minded and never afraid to say what he thought. He always acted in what he saw as the best interest of the people he represented and especially the people of West Wiltshire. He was never happy about the move to one council and as a member of the implementation executive he did his best to stand up for the interests of West Wilts even if it meant upsetting senior party colleagues.

I always knew he would be active in local politics until the day he died, but I didn't expect that day to come so soon.

Ave atque Vale

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There will be a private cremation service for family and close friends at West Wiltshire Crematorium, on Friday, 3rd July at 1.45 p.m. A Service of Thanksgiving will follow at St. James' Parish Church, Trowbridge, at 2.30 p.m. to which the family would be pleased to welcome all colleagues and friends. There will be family flowers only but donations in his memory in aid of Alzheimer's Support West Wiltshire and North Bradley Scouts may be sent to the Funeral Directors, C. S. Bowyer Ltd., 2 The Bullpit, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1NB.

Tony leaves a widow, Evelyn, and two daughters, Sue and Jill.