Tributes paid to long-serving Stevenage councillor

A long-serving Stevenage borough councillor died “suddenly and unexpectedly” at his home on Friday (15 November). Cllr Graham Snell was first elected to the council in 1998 and represented Manor ward as a Liberal Democrat councillor from 1999 onwards.

He was brought up in Lincolnshire, and later moved to Stevenage, where he lived for more than thirty years. For much of that time, he worked as a newsagent and a supermarket manager. Cllr Snell was married to his late wife Heather for 35 years and is survived by three children - Louise, Daniel and Matthew - and three grandchildren.

A Stevenage Liberal Democrats spokesperson said he had died “suddenly and unexpectedly”, and continued: “Graham was above all a generous and supportive family man. Liberal Democrats all remember him as our friend and colleague. He was always ready, willing and available to help anyone, with a cheerful manner and a thorough, caring approach. He worked tirelessly for both the Liberal Democrats and Stevenage Borough Council. He sat on a number of committees but in particular on the planning and development committee, where his local knowledge and interests were evident.”

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Cllr Robin Parker, Liberal Democrat councillor for Manor ward, said: “We are all greatly shocked and saddened by Graham’s passing. It has had a devastating impact on us all. Everyone knew him and liked him. Naturally, our thoughts at this time are with all of Graham’s family and friends.”

Cllr Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “Graham was a proactive councillor who worked hard on behalf of his ward to represent the views of his residents and Manor ward community. He was well-liked and worked with other members of the council for the benefit of Stevenage, too. Graham was a member on the planning and development environment and economy committees as well as the licensing committee and general purposes committee. He was also a dedicated member of the Stevenage Kadoma Link Association. On behalf of the council, I would like to share my condolences with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Conservative Cllr Phil Bibby said: “It is always sad to see a fellow councillor pass away. Despite our political differences, Graham has always been an affable colleague and will be greatly missed at council. My condolences go out to his family and friends.”