‘He was as proud of Hull as we were of all he achieved’
tributes have been paid to “political giant” and former Hull Lord Mayor, Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE, who has sadly passed away at the age of 83.
Mr Gemmell was one of the masterminds behind The Deep and served as a Labour councillor on Hull City Council for 26 years after first being elected in 1988. He served his term as Lord Mayor from 2010 to 2011.
Mr Gemmell’s wife, Moira, who took up the honour of being Lady Mayoress during that time, died in 2023, and they are both survived by their son, Patrick.
Paying tribute, Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “Former Councillor David Gemmell was an incredibly decent man who had the interests of the city at heart. His mark on the city is well known, but it was his manner that stood him out.
“I pass on my condolences to all that knew and loved him.”
The Leader of the Labour Group on Hull City Council, Councillor Daren Hale, said: “Dave was a dedicated public servant who believed in a better society. He was a much respected member of Hull Labour Group, and a driving force to improve culture and leisure in our area.
“Through his efforts, The Deep came to fruition as the country’s most successful millennium lottery project. He was a political giant, and will be sadly missed.”
As chairman of Hull City Council’s Leisure Services Committee, Mr Gemmell recognised the need for a major new tourist attraction in the city and, with Leisure Services director Colin Brown, delivered The Deep, which first opened to the public in 2002.
Paying tribute on social media, a spokesperson for the city centre attraction said: “The Deep is immensely saddened to announce the passing of our chairman, Honorary Alderman David Gemmell OBE. We give thanks to his tremendous vision to create The Deep and then dedicate almost 30 years to our charity’s success.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends as we remember him and the impact of his distinguished career on the City of Hull.
While The Deep comes to terms with the sudden loss of our chairman, we will be taking the time to reflect on everything that he did for us; we will be commemorating him further through written tribute.”
Mr Gemmell also secured funding for and developed Hull History Centre in 2010, then serving on its board for four years. He was also a board director for Hull Truck Theatre and was on the Humber Bridge Board.
He was awarded his OBE in 2005 for services to tourism, and received the honour at Buckingham Palace.
Among those who have paid tribute is Hull North MP, Dame Diana Johnson who wrote on X: “I am very sad to hear of the death of my friend Honorary Alderman Dave Gemmell OBE.
“He was as proud of Hull as we were of all he achieved for the city, including delivering @Thedeephull. RIP.”
Meanwhile, East Hull MP Karl Turner wrote: “Just heard the sad news that Hon. Alderman Dave Gemmell has passed away.
“He was a great servant of East Hull. He was so proud of @TheDeephull, which he helped establish and served as Chair. Dave and his late wife Moira were Mayor and Mayoress 2010-2011, the year I was elected MP.”
The Guildhall flag is being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.