The long serving Newham councillor and cabinet member died on July 30th

A man in a straw hat wearing a shirt and a tie — Neil Wilson

The death of Neil Wilson on 30 July has left a vacancy on the Council, but also a deep sense of loss within the community. Family, friends, council colleagues and supporters all across the Borough paid tribute to him. Here are some of the messages from social media.

James Asser, Member of Parliament for West Ham and Beckton said: “I had the privilege of serving for six years as a councillor with Neil. He was a dedicated public servant, with a strong personal faith that shaped his politics. He was a big character, and one with a big heart; smartly turned out as only he could, he always made an impression on everyone he met. I will miss his friendship, his humour, his irrepressible spirit and his passion for politics”.

Neil’s nephew James Wilson said: “My uncle was a great man. Full of love, wit, stories, and passion, he was a great uncle and a servant to his community and the Labour Party. I will miss him incredibly deeply.”

Newham Citizens said: “Extremely sorry to hear of the sad loss of Cllr Wilson who worked on health with us over the years. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

“Heartbroken,” said Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz. “He was loved by us, and achieved so much for the people of Newham in his role as Cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care. He will be missed very much.”

“I am going to miss Neil greatly,” said Lyn Brown, former Member of Parliament for West Ham. “A kind, good and committed man who loved the beauty in life and tried so hard to make this world a better place.”

Other councillors, including James Beckles, Melanie Onovo, representing Maryland, and John Morris, councillor for Plaistow West, also issued statements and Larisa Zilickaja, Councillor for Green Street added: “In loving memory of Neil Wilson the brightest, the smartest, the most intelligent colleague with a great sense of humour. Neil used to make jokes of me always taking loads of pictures. Forever in our hearts Rest in Peace.”

“Terribly sad news,” said Uma Kumaran, MP for Stratford and Bow, “Neil was one of a kind, immensely dedicated to the Borough and people he served and always willing to help where he could.”

Tributes, too, from his political opponents. “I am truly saddened by this news,” said Danny Keeling, Green Party Councillor for Stratford Olympic Park. “I had a lot of respect for Neil and the job he was doing. Not just a political point scorer but someone who deeply cared. I would call him more than a colleague but a friend.” Fellow Green Party Councillor Nate Higgins added: “Neil spent so much of his life giving back to Newham, and I could tell from the moment I met him how much he cared for our Borough. We all owe him so much.”

The community organisation Aston Mansfield said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Cllr Neil Wilson. At our recent Newham Community Health Fair, he spoke passionately about celebrating working together and our diverse community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

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