The Voice

Barbara Alexander RIP

By | Thu 21st May 2009 - 4:20 pm

In today’s Guardian, Stephen Keeler pays tribute to former Liberal Democrat councillor Barbara Alexander:

My friend and former colleague Barbara Alexander, who has died after a long illness aged 70, was an inspirational teacher, a dedicated local councillor and a tireless worker on behalf of a number of charities. …

Both were elected to Richmond-upon-Thames council in 1990, and Barbara worked tirelessly as a Liberal Democrat councillor and school governor, increasing her workload after Gavin’s death in 1993. She was deputy council leader, sat on education and social services committees, and chaired the governing bodies of Hampton community college and Carlisle infant school.

Barbara had a powerful intellect, with unswerving integrity and profound warmth. She was funny, enthusiastic, generous, always a delight to be with. She wore her left-of-centre politics lightly but her passion for social justice, equality, fairness and opportunity burned deeply.

You can read the obituary in full HERE.

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This entry was posted in Obituaries.
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2 Comments

  • Nick 21st May '09 - 4:33pm

    I served with Barbara on Richmond Council. She was one of those councillors who never blew their own trumpet, worked tirelessly behind the scenes and always offered wise counsel.

    It is the thousands of councillors like Barbara who I feel for when the media and public claim that all elected politicians are the same, and only in it for what they can personally get.

    In Richmond Social Services and Education services were, and are, that much better because of Barbara’s selfless work. I am sure the same is true up and down the country because of the work of councillors and the sooner the media start to report these positives, the better.

  • Doris Richards 21st May '09 - 7:46pm

    I want to offer my thoughts and sympathy to the family of Barbara Alexander.
    I worked in LB Richmond when she was a Councillor and had a seat on the Social Services Committee. She was interested and supportive and her committment to the service users particularly those with mental health issues made it a pleasure, to work with her and for her.

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