Tributes have been paid to long-serving Workington councillor Joe Holliday, who sadly passed away last weekend.
Cllr Holliday’s contribution to the community was invaluable with his career in local government beginning 60 years ago working for Cumbria County Council. After retirement, he continued to work and volunteer in the community as a parish clerk, school governor and as a councillor for Workington Town Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Cumbria County Council.
The Mayor of Workington, Cllr Janet King, said: “Joe was a really decent and honest man – a true gentleman. I feel privileged to have known and worked with him and the world is a poorer place without him.
“He was totally dedicated to the public that he served and had so much experience and knowledge of local government. Although he was ill for some time, he still put his council roles first. His wife, Dorothy, was a great support for him and I send my sincerest sympathy to her and his family.”
Joe was elected to Allerdale Borough Council as a Labour member for St Johns Ward, Workington in May 2007, he then became an Independent councillor continuing to serve in St Johns. He was Mayor of Allerdale for 2011 to 2012. Joe had also been a county councillor since 2001.
Cllr Mike Johnson, Deputy Leader of Allerdale Borough Council paid tribute to Joe, saying: “Joe was a dedicated councillor who worked hard for his community over many, many years of service. He was a real asset to this council and to the residents he represented in St Johns ward in Workington and his contribution will be sorely missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Cllr Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said: “I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Joe. Throughout his time as a councillor, Joe never waivered from his political values and was always a dedicated champion of his community. He will be greatly missed by his many friends on all sides of the county council.”
Cllr Marjorie Rae, county councillor for Harrington, said: “I shall miss Joe, he was a passionate local councillor and cared deeply about his community. I was very proud to sit alongside him on the Independent benches, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.”
