Tributes paid to former council leader
COUNCILLOR ‘HELPED TO BRING THE WORLD TO GATESHEAD’
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Gateshead Council leader George Gill who has died at the age of 85.
The authority confirmed the exLabour councillor’s death on Tuesday and said the area had lost “one of its most loyal and hardworking sons” who led Gateshead through a period of significant transformation.
Mr Gill, a former colliery electrician and engineer, was first elected to represent the ward of Chopwell and Rowlands Gill on the newly-formed council in 1974.
He became leader in 1986 and remained in post for 17 years, overseeing a number of high-profile developments including the opening of the Metrocentre, the Sage and the Angel of the North. But it was the opening of the Millennium Bridge in 2001 that the late councillor described as one of his proudest moments.
Current Gateshead Council leader Coun Martin Gannon, who worked with Mr Gill from 1984 to 2002, said: “Those of us who worked with George knew him as a man of great ability and a strong leader. He made things happen.
“Under his leadership, Gateshead Council became an excellent performing council recognised as delivering services of the very highest standard.
“This provided the solid platform for Gateshead’s transformation, which would ultimately see the creation of international icons such as the Angel of the North, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, BALTIC, Sage Gateshead and much more.
“George helped to bring the world to Gateshead’s door, and I know he was immensely proud of the borough and the region.”
Mr Gill was also chairman of the Northumbria Police Authority for 17 years and worked with four different chief constables during his tenure.
He was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List in 1995 and became deputy lieutenant for Tyne and Wear in the same year.
In May 2002 he was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Gateshead and retired from the council and from political life. The following year he was recognised by the council again when he was given the title of Honorary Alderman. Outside his council work he was a former governor of Hookergate School as well as president of both Chopwell Cricket Club and Chopwell Football Club.
Coun Gannon said: “One of the key words we can use to describe George’s style as leader is ‘partnership.’ “Partnership with our schools, with business, the police, other local authorities and with his colleagues here at the council.
“He always realised that the only route to success was by working with and respecting - other people. George was the ultimate team player. “He was a modest man and never sought any form of public recognition. His record of achievement, his loyalty and service and his absolute and total commitment to Gateshead Council and the people of Gateshead meant he was made a Commander of the British Empire, of which he was very proud.
“But, as a Gateshead man through and through, no honour meant more to him than being made a Freeman of the Borough of Gateshead. It has lost one of its most loyal and hardworking sons.”
One of the key words we can use to describe George’s style as leader is ‘partnership’
Coun Martin Gannon