Yahoo News Tributes following the death of long-serving Gateshead councillor Bob Goldsworthy
Tributes have flooded in following the death of a long-standing councillor in the North East.
Gateshead Councillor Bob Goldsworthy has sadly passed away following a sudden illness. The The 67-year-old, has represented the Bridges ward since being elected onto the council in 2007.
Those who knew Bob, who lived in Gateshead his whole life, have described him as being "dedicated" as well as "a popular and hard-working councillor".
Bob initially worked in the engineering industry before going on to work in construction and then housing.
After being elected as a Gateshead Councillor he supported his wife, Councillor Maureen Goldsworthy, ward councillor for the Chowdene ward, as Mayor's consort in 2006-2007.
Bob was appointed as Chair of the Planning and Development Committee in 2016 - a position which he held to the current day. He was also appointed to the Care, Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Appeals Committee and the Licensing sub-committee.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of the Council, said they are devastated to hear the sad news.
He said: "Bob was Gateshead through and through, having lived here all his life. He was a hard-working, much loved councillor who was truly passionate, not just about the ward he served, but about ensuring that the people of Gateshead have the best public service provision possible. He got involved in decision making to make a difference and he undoubtedly did for so many people.
"Bob's commitment to our local communities and his dedication to his role as a Gateshead councillor shone through and he always had time for his constituents. He will be an enormous loss. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Maureen, his wife, and their son at this very difficult time."
Councillor Ron Beadle, Leader of the Opposition, said: "We are so sorry to hear this news. Bob was an absolutely dedicated local councillor who served his community for many years. He will be a big miss."
Liz Twist, who is standing to be the first MP for Blaydon and Consett, has posted on social media: "I am saddened by the news of Cllr Bob Goldsworthy’s passing, he was a great local councillor and incredibly dedicated to public service.
"Having known him a long time I know he will be dearly missed by so many people. Thoughts go to his wife Maureen and all those close to him."
Mark Ferguson, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Gateshead Central and Whickham, has also posted a tribute to Bob on social media: "Saddened to hear that Councillor Bob Goldsworthy has passed away.
"Bob was a popular and hard-working councillor who served his constituents with distinction for almost two decades. My thoughts are with his wife Maureen and all of his friends and family at this sad time."
