A tribute was paid at the beginning of a Central Bedfordshire Council meeting on Monday, October 31, 2022, to long-serving Conservative Councillor Ken Matthews, who died on Saturday.
Members of the local authority’s audit committee respected a short period of silence, after an announcement by Conservative Ampthill Councillor Mike Blair.
Councillor Matthews was one of three CBC ward representatives for Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.
“For anyone not aware, Councillor Ken Matthews sadly passed away on Saturday,” said Councillor Blair, who chairs the committee.
“He was a very long-standing and respected member of this council. I’d like you to share a few moments of refection out of respect.”
Councillor Blair thanked those present “for joining me in a period of silence for dear Ken” at the end of the meeting.
CBC deputy leader and executive member for families, education and children Sue Clark paid her own tribute on social media.
“Very sad news that my long time Central Bedfordshire and Cranfield and Marston ward colleague died peacefully yesterday evening, following a long illness bravely borne,” she wrote on Facebook.
“Ken continued working throughout his illness, having served our community for many years.
“He was elected to Mid Beds District Council about 23 years ago, eventually becoming its deputy leader.
“At Central Beds he’ll be best remembered as chairing the development management committee.
“He served for many years as a Cranfield parish Councillor. I’ll miss him and always be grateful to him as he encouraged me to stand for election to CBC.
“A charming man with a winning smile, my deepest sympathy to his family and most especially to Pip. Rest in peace Councillor Matthews.”
Councillor Matthews also sat on CBC’s general purposes committee. It was widely reported he sent a ‘farewell email’ to council colleagues and had been unable to attend a CBC meeting since February.
Councillors voted to approve leave of absence for him in keeping with local government requirements.
When a council member fails to attend any meeting for six consecutive months from the date of his or her last attendance, the Councillor ceases to be a member of the authority under the Local Government Act 1972.
But the council can accept a reason for the failure to attend before the six months period expires.
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