Long-serving former councillor Gordon Collett dies

Gordon Collett, a borough councillor in Rugby for 34 years, has died. 17.07.119.jm1

BOROUGH council stalwart Gordon Collett has died aged 81.

The former councillor of 34 years passed away yesterday (Sunday) after a battle with cancer.

Mr Collett first became a borough councillor in 1973, holding the seat for Leam Valley ward from then until stepping down in 2007.

Between 1977 and 1978 he was Mayor, and he had two stints as council leader from 1978 to 1987, and again from 1989 to 1995.

He was also a county councillor for Warwickshire, serving Dunchurch ward for many years until stepping down in 2009.

During his time as a councillor, Mr Collett campaigned on many rural issues and was involved in the earliest discussions of the Western Relief Road when it was first suggested 30 years ago.

In the council chamber he was known for his quips, called 'Collettisms'. Remarks of his included: "A pig with one ear can't walk straight."

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