MP Pays Tribute To Kendal Councillor

Tim Farron has paid tribute to Town and County Councillor John McCreesh, who tragically passed away on Saturday aged 61. It is believed that he died of a heart attack.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: "I'm stunned and devastated by John's death and am heartbroken for his wife Mel to whom he was utterly devoted. Whenever I saw John and Mel walking together they always held hands which struck me and touched me.

"John was a man who lived out his principles in practice, a sincere environmentalist and a man whose faith gave him real strength in his convictions. John made a huge difference for local people, he was a servant of the community and a committed Liberal for many many years. We've lost one of our best, but we will fight on in his honour."

Cllr Patricia Bell, Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council, said: "This is devastating news and so unexpected. Only this week John was at the heart of business at the county council at a meeting of our Full Council on Thursday and at Cabinet Briefing on Friday.

"John was always a tower of strength to me and to anyone who knew him. He was passionate and committed, as a colleague and more importantly as a close friend. This is a very sad loss for Cumbria, his family, his community and to local government. Our thoughts are obviously with his wife and his family at this difficult time."

Leader of SLDC Peter Thornton added: "John's passion was for the environment and for how we could better live in it. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and respected by all. Kendal is poorer for his passing."