Steve Hitchins, who transformed the lives of so many people for the better in Islington when he was Council Leader, has died very suddenly at the age of 68.
In a heartbreaking tweet, his wife, Lib Dem Peer Sarah Ludford announced her loss.
Not sure if this is the right thing to do; if not, put it down to shock.
But I want people who knew him – in the @LibDems, as Islington Council leader, as chair of @WhitHealth or otherwise – to know that my dear husband Steve Hitchins died suddenly last night.Hugely missed.
— Sarah Ludford 🇬🇧 🇮🇪🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@SarahLudford) September 25, 2019
Many of us saw him last week in Bournemouth. I managed a quick hello as we passed in that great whirlwind.
You can see the difference he made to people from the replies to Sarah’s tweets.
Dear Sarah, I am so sad to hear about Steve. I was privileged to work with him on several #cyp community projects @WhitHealth I so admired his determination, passion + commitment. He taught me so much + had so many interesting stories to tell. My deepest condolences to you.
— Colette Datt 🌈💙MBE RGN RNC BSC MSC (@datt_colette) September 25, 2019
Sorry to hear of sudden death of Steve Hitchins, former Chair of @WhitHealth. A great contributor to the NHS and a regular attender at our @NHSProviders events. It was always a delight to see and talk to him. He will be missed. Thoughts with @SarahLudford & family.
— Chris Hopson (@ChrisHopsonNHS) September 25, 2019
Dear Sarah Shocked and devastated to hear about Steve. He was the best boss I ever had . Outstanding leader of Islington Council and outstanding chair of the Whittington. Determined, clever , insightful and a great achiever. He made a difference to many people’s lives.
— Leisha Fullick (@_fullick) September 25, 2019
Shocked at sudden death of my friend, mentor and former leader of Islington Council, Steve Hitchens. My thoughts and prayers for his family and especially his wife Sarah @SarahLudford Made a massive impact on ordinary people. Cracking Liberal. V sad 😥 @libdemlocalgov
— Howard Sykes MBE (@howard_sykes) September 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/Lucy_Watt/status/1176856419355807744?s=20
Love and condolences to you.
You were both always amazing and a little formidable to me in my early days, but also both lovely even when telling me I was talking ****.
I'm so sorry.— Alex Wilcock 🔶 🏳️🌈 (@alexwilcock) September 25, 2019
We’ll have more in the coming days about Steve’s work and legacy, but, for now, we send our love to Sarah and all his close friends and family.
Please feel free to share your memories of Steve in the comments.
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social
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11 Comments
Like so many others, Steve was my mentor, inspiration and friend. Still the best political brain I’ve ever come across – and the toughest, most determined fighter to improve people’s lives. He challenged us all to be better, more effective Liberals, and in return was incredibly generous. All my love & thoughts are with Sarah. I’ll miss him but cherish his wonderful legacy
When he was the chairman of London Region what was then the Council of the Regions in England met in Manchester.
When the Eastbourne bye election happened the candidate came to region for money.
Fortunately the regional chairs had been active and promised that the money raised would be spent in your region. Southeast put £5,000 in, the rest on term deposit.
Desperately sorry and saddened at Steve’s demise. He did so much for liberalism and the communities he served. A thoroughly decent, compassionate and committed person. He will be sorely missed.
My condolences to Sarah. Working with Steve was one of the best experiences of my life. Islington council was a dysfunctional wreck when the Lib Dems took over in 1999, but thanks to Steve’s clear leadership, determined sense of purpose and his ability to inspire the Borough was a place with a future after a decade of Lib Dem influence. Steve always tried to bring out the best in people and ensure that the Lib Dem group represented and was representative of the people of the borough.
I am sorry. I only just met and chatted to him, many years ago now when I was a councillor in London, but what a lovely man. Very sorry, and much sympathy to Sarah.
Many years ago I was a member of a Lib Dem housing policy working group which, if I remember correctly, Steve chaired. He was very impressive as well as being very open and accepting which is why I remember him so clearly. I am so sorry for your loss Baroness Ludford and in your grief there is no right or wrong thing to do.
Devastating news. I knew he was a great campaigner the first time I met him, when I ended up with far more leaflets to deliver than I had planned! Spoke to him only a couple of months ago and he was as mischievous as ever 😀
Steve changed my life and those of many people for the better. As one of his deputy leaders at Islington (it needed two of us to keep up!) I saw first-hand his complete determination to improve local people’s lives and his focus and energy in making that happen. He stabilised a disfunctional council and went on to deliver transforming projects – not least keeping Arsenal in the borough – that shape the place today. He could be impatient for change, and did not waste time humouring opponents, but his natural warmth, personal kindness, and his resilience under pressure were exemplary. He constantly encouraged women, LGBTQ and BAME campaigners and staff to be more ambitious. I’m one of many whose life was changed: Steve believed in my potential more than I did myself, and inspired me in the best way – to try and prove him right. He taught me so much, and to this day I find myself thinking ‘what would Steve do’ to solve a problem. It’s been touching to read the comments from people that Steve mentored and motivated, so many echoing my experience that he was the best boss ever. There is an army of campaigners, public servants and community activists who are doing good work in many places today, thanks to his leadership and inspiration. Steve’s life was too short and his loss so sudden. I hope it is some small comfort to Sarah to see how much love and respect surrounds them.
Steve lived his life for others.
Only just caught up with this, sorry, but thankyou so much Caron and all the people who’ve made such kind comments. The loss of Steve after 45 years together is very hard to bear, but I am being carried through on a wave of kindness to me and regard and respect for Steve.
After a relatively private funeral, there will be a celebration of his life, to which all whose lives he touched will be very welcome; I will get those details out as soon as fixed.
My warm thanks and regards, Sarah
The Celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Thursday 21st November at 2pm at St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, Islington, N1. All welcome.