Tributes to 'founding father' David Lloyd at Shropshire Council meeting
Tributes were made to the former speaker of Shropshire Council at its meeting this week.
David Lloyd, from Gobowen near Oswestry, was involved in local government for more than half a century before he died last month aged 86.
A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held at St Oswald's Parish Church on Monday at 11.30am.
During his five decades in local government, Mr Lloyd was mayor of the old Oswestry Borough Council, chairman of Shropshire Health Authority and a Conservative candidate for both the European and the United Kingdom Parliaments, as well as being awarded an MBE.
MORE FROM 2015: David Lloyd still passionate about campaigning at 83
At a full council meeting held at the Shirehall tributes included those by Councillor Steve Charmley, who called him one of the founding fathers of Shropshire Council.
Councillor Charmley said: "David Lloyd was a true gentleman who carried out his duties with honesty and integrity.
"He had such a wealth of knowledge and respect, he could speak with authority and gravitas on a range of subjects with little or no preparation.
"He was a politician hugely respected by all parties within the chamber."
Councillor Chris Mellings said Mr Lloyd transcended politics.
"He would have made a fine MP, but parliament's loss was Shropshire's gain."
Councillor Madge Sheinton said that Mr Lloyd had been the epitome of a gentleman.
