Information on Loughborough

Council leader pays tribute to Mike Preston

Posted on 19/08/2011

Leicestershire Councty Council Chief Executive's

19 August 2011

Council leader pays tribute to Mike Preston

County Council Leader David Parsons has today paid tribute to long-serving county councillor and former deputy leader Prof Mike Preston who died yesterday after a short battle with cancer.

Mr Parsons said: "Mike's death is a huge loss and our immediate thoughts are with his wife. At County Hall, we are flying the flag at half-mast and have spoken to Mike's wife Beryl to express our sincere condolences and offer support at this difficult time.

"A dedicated and passionate campaigner for local issues, Mike was a gregarious and affable person, and as such was well-liked and highly regarded by councillors of all parties and also the officers of the authority.

"Despite a quiet, unassuming manner, he fought consistently and steadfastly for residents in his division and provided solid support and leadership within the council's cabinet.

"Mike's contribution to local politics over the last 18 years is immense and he was a good man who will be greatly missed."

Mike became a county councillor in 1993, representing the former Fosse electoral division. Since 2005, he has represented the Syston Ridgeway division.

Following a move to a cabinet and scrutiny system in 1999, he became a member of the cabinet and was Deputy Leader of the Council between 2001 and 2003.

He has also been Chairman of the Pension Fund Management Board. Between 2003 and 2005, he was Chairman of the Education Scrutiny Committee and a member of the Scrutiny Commission.

Prof Preston was Conservative Group Whip from 2005 - 2011.