Newcastle Labour would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lord Jeremy Beecham after his passing yesterday.
First elected in 1967, Jeremy leaves behind a distinguished legacy – from his first days representing the people of Benwell, to leading Newcastle City Council, becoming the first leader of the Local Government Association, and more recently being appointed a Member of the House of Lords his legacy lives on in the institutions he shaped, the lives he changed and the communities he was so dedicated to serving.
Paying tribute to Lord Beecham, Cllr Karen Kilgour, the Labour Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Jeremy Beecham was one of the most influential politicians of the last 50 years. A kind, hardworking man with a wonderful sense of humour, he was respected across the political divide, and will be widely mourned.
“He first became a councillor in 1967 and went on to become our longest serving councillor. He was leader for 17 years, our longest serving leader; his achievements were immense. He was chair of the Local Government Association, played a huge role in the Labour party at a national level, was knighted and became a member of the House of Lords.
He was a giant of the Labour movement.
But it was probably at a local level, where he will most fondly be remembered, as a diligent, hardworking councillor who represented the people of Benwell and later Scotswood with dedication. He was always on their side, fighting their corner.
Jeremy was one of our finest political thinkers, a visionary politician, but he was more than that, he was also a loving husband to his late wife Brenda, and proud father of his children Sara and Richard. My heart goes out to them.
“I will miss him also on a personal level. He was a family friend who was always encouraging and generous with his time, supporting me as a student, as a newly elected councillor, and later in more senior roles.
“It is terribly sad but we should also be grateful for the life of Jeremy Beecham, a man who literally changed the face of Newcastle and helped make it the great city it is today.”