Former Felixstowe mayor Graham Newman has died at hospice

Mr Newman, who was 74, was one of the leading figures in Suffolk local politics for the best part of 20 years as a leading member of both the county council and Felixstowe Town Council.

He was well-known for the enthusiasm with which he threw himself into projects - from improving the county's schools to getting more people on to their bikes.

Robert Everitt, Chairman of Suffolk County Council, said: “Graham had been a Suffolk County Councillor for Felixstowe Coastal since 2005 and was a full and active member of the county council from the moment he was elected."  

As cabinet member for roads, Graham Newman was a frequent visitor to the gritting teams - here he is visiting the salt mound at one of their depots. (Image: Archant)

Mr Newman was appointed as Cabinet Member for Adult Services in May 2006, moving to lead on Children, Schools, and Young People’s Services in 2009 and then holding the Cabinet post for Roads and Transport from 2013 until 2015.

He was elected Vice Chairman in 2019 and went on to become Chairman of Suffolk County Council in October 2020. 

Mr Everitt said: "His time as Chairman, which lasted 18 months until May 2022 and spanned most of the COVID pandemic, will be long remembered. 

"Not only for his steadfast stewardship at a time of great change, especially the use of new technology to help council meetings continue virtually, but also for his relaxed and reassuring presence in the chair - much needed in those stressful pandemic days.  

“In Graham, Suffolk had an exemplar model of what a county councillor should be. A defender of local decision making, a committed public servant, an honest representative of his division and a champion for the people he represented. 

"His loss will be felt by all his colleagues, regardless of politics.  All our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Graham Newman was a keen cyclist - even taking part in the King of the HIll event on Felixstowe's Bent Hill. (Image: Archant)

A keen transport enthusiast, Mr Newman would usually catch the train from Felixstowe to Ipswich for county council meetings - but on occasions cycled to Endeavour House.

County council leader Matthew Hicks said: “Graham was a hugely dedicated Councillor, a gentleman and a friend to us all. He was so passionate and dedicated about Felixstowe, which he loved and he never let us forget.

“He was well respected by everyone and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Mr Newman became a Felixstowe Town Councillor in 2009 and was twice mayor - in 2014/15 and in 2018/19.

Graham and Jan Newman during his first term as mayor of Felixstowe (Image: Andy Abbott)

Sharon Harkin, Mayor of Felixstowe said “We have all lost a wonderful colleague and a wise, passionate voice in our local democracy. 

"He was incredibly proud to represent his ward as a Conservative Councillor and was hugely energetic as an advocate for the Town.

"Graham was very conscientious at Council meetings and his contribution was greatly valued and I can’t imagine future meetings without his deeply knowledgeable and constructive input. 

"He was a great and wise mentor to new Councillors and Mayors too, offering guidance and encouragement.

"He was also enthusiastic about transport, particularly rail travel. He had an impressive knowledge of the wider transport issues and served as Chairman of Felixstowe Travel since 2016.

"He was also Chief Ambassador for Visit Felixstowe and could often be found manning the  tourist Information beach hut on the seafront.

"We will miss Graham greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jan and his family at this very sad time."

Graham Newman was always happy to promote Felixstowe events like the Christmas swim. (Image: Archant)

Mr Newman was also chair of the Suffolk Coastal Conservative Association. Its president, Sir Michael Bunbury, said: "Graham was a lovely man and a great loss not only to his family but to all who knew him.

"As chairman of SCCA since 2018 he has steered the Assoication with a steady hand through the difficult Covid years. We, and the Conservative Party more widely, owe him a huge debt of gratitude and mourn his untimely departure."