Tributes paid to former Tory group leader

TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to the former leader of Wakefield’s Conservative group who has died.

Mark Crowther died on Thursday aged 54, after what his family described as “a long, courageous and stoic journey”.

He was voted in as a representative for Pontefract South in 2008, before becoming the party’s leader in the council chamber the following year.

Under his leadership, the Tories controlled 24 of the council’s 63 seats – more than they have had in Wakefield at any time in the 21st century – and double the number the party holds today.

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Crowther’s family said: “He was a devoted family man who worshipped his wife Susan and daughter Georgina.

“Mark made such a difference to many peoples lives and will be sadly missed.”

Outside of politics, he ran his own business as a management consultant.

Current Conservative leader Nadeem Ahmed said he would remember him as a man of “good values”. “Mark was a family man and he was meticulous in everything he did,” Coun Ahmed said.

Mr Crowther lost his seat in 2012 as the party lost nine seats in one night at the local elections.

Coun Monica Graham, who succeeded him as leader, said: “I knew Mark for quite a few years, and always admired him for his calm manner and determination.”

His funeral will take place at St Giles’ Church, Pontefract, on Thursday January 17 at 12.30pm.