Tributes paid to ex-council leader at first meeting since his death
Tributes were paid to former council leader Paul Watson at the first full Sunderland City Council meeting since his death.
Councillors observed a one-minute silence, and the meeting heard tributed from across the political spectrum as councillors spoke in praise of Coun Watson.
He had been council leader since 2008 and represented the Pallion ward.
He died on November 7 after a battle with cancer.
Proposing the minute’s silence to Coun Watson, the Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Doris McKnight, said: “He was a major figure and a major player in North East politics, and he was a big advocate for seeing and making sure that Sunderland had a voice and was represented at not just the regional table, but also the national table.
“He was not afraid of making difficult decisions and looking at new ways of working, such as with the changes and reforms to children’s services and the creation of Together for Children.
“He helped bring the Vaux site into council ownership after the deadlock that had built up, and I know how proud he was of the New Wear Crossing.
“Coun Watson worked in city shipyards and he was aware of the great spirit of comradeship, togetherness, community and decency that people in our city show.
“He was very proud of his Sunderland roots, proud of the people of our city, proud of our city’s past, present, and future.”
Coun Watson was first elected to the city council in 1997, and held a host of roles.
Deputy council leader Coun Harry Trueman, said: “He was indeed a great politician, a great leader of this council and a great champion of our city and its people.
“His vision, commitment and skilfulness were in my opinion second to none, and we feel his loss greatly here in the council chamber.
“His great skill was bringing all of the necessary players together, leading by example in fighting for what he believed in and never settling for second best.”