Long-serving councillor was ‘tireless champion of the Dales’
LEWIS ROSE OBE DIES AT THE AGE OF 74
ONE of Derbyshire’s most experienced political figures has died at the age of 74.
Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, who represented a number of wards during his political career, which dated back to the founding of the Derbyshire Dales District Council in the 1970s, was also the leader of the Conservative group in the Dales for 45 years until 2019.
The Union Flag at the council’s Matlock Town Hall headquarters has been lowered to half mast as a mark of respect for the former leader and deputy leader of the authority.
Councillor Garry Purdy, councillor Rose’s successor as council leader, said: “This is a terribly sad day.
“The local government scene has lost a major player.
“Passionate in promoting the cause of small rural districts such as the Derbyshire Dales for over 40 years, Lewis was a force to be reckoned with, not only locally but also on the county, regional and national political scene.
“He was tireless in championing the Derbyshire Dales, fighting for its residents on the many different forums he served on and I cannot speak too highly of his dedication to public and political life.”
Originally elected to the old Ashbourne Rural District Council at the age of just 23 in 1971, Councillor Rose became a member of West Derbyshire District Council upon its formation in 1974.
He holds the honour of being the person who proposed it changed its name to Derbyshire Dales in 1988.
He was awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours List in 1995 for his political and public service and also served on a host of organisations on behalf of the district council.
These included the likes of East Midlands Councils, Derbyshire Economic Partnership and the Peak District Partnership. He was also a board member of Sheffield City Region.
Councillor Rose followed his grandfather, also named Lewis Rose, into politics and between them they accumulated more than 100 years of public service.
Leader of the district council’s Labour group, Councillor Mike Ratcliffe, said: “Lewis was a politician of the ‘old school,’ an effective adversary as well as a colleague.
“I knew him socially and in council;
those who knew him were aware of his unfailing commitment to the residents of Derbyshire Dales, one that sometimes saw him criticising the Conservative governments of the day.
“His work on our behalf cannot be overestimated and I for one regret his passing. We cannot go back to those days but he should be an example to which we all aspire.”
Leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat group, Councillor Steve Flitter, said: “The position of council leader is a massive task and it’s because of Councillor Rose’s exemplary handling of that role over many years that we as members were able to get on with doing good work for the people of the Derbyshire Dales.”
Stepping down as leader of the council in 2019 to a standing ovation in the Matlock Town Hall council chamber, Councillor Rose said: “I am lost for words.
“Can I say that I have enjoyed – and I’m using that word very advisedly – my term in office and in a sense it is a relief to be able to pass that mantle on to others because things do have to move on.”
Referring to the council’s political rapport, he added: “We’ve had our differences but the main emphasis has always been doing what we can do best for the whole of Derbyshire Dales, whoever they are and whichever part they represent.
“Those in government tend to forget about us poor devils at the local level who are closer to the people and understand their needs and desires much better than our Parliamentarians do on their lofty heights. “But I do hope that Derbyshire Dales continues to look after Derbyshire Dales and continues to be well recognised within the region and that we can all work together despite our differences to achieve that objective.
“I can only say to all and everyone, both here and before, a big thank you for putting their trust in me and I’m very grateful for the way you’ve expressed that.”
Mr Rose leaves a widow, Janet, sons Robert and Andrew and five grandchildren.
I cannot speak too highly of his dedication to public and political life.
Councillor Garry Purdy