A former councillor who dedicated more than 30 years of his life to representing Crawley has died, aged 57.
Friends and colleagues of Richard Burrett said they were devastated by his loss, with online tributes describing him as ‘a committed and diligent councillor’, ‘a lovely man’, a ‘true gentleman’ and ‘a good egg’.
Richard was first elected to the borough council in 1992, where he represented Pound Hill North for the Conservatives until 2023. He represented Pound Hill on the county council from 2009 to 2026.
Uniquely, he is the only councillor to have been deputy leader of both the county and borough councils.
Duncan Crow (Con, Furnace Greed) said: “My colleagues and I are devastated at the loss of Richard Burrett. It has come as a huge shock to us and we will miss him terribly.
“For over 30 years, Richard has been a central figure in Crawley public life, making a huge contribution at both Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council.
“He will be missed by so many people and it has been heartening to see the many nice tributes being made about him.”
Richard, who was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Crawley in 2024, was liked and respected by councillors from all parties.
Michael Jones, leader of the borough council, said: “Richard devoted more than three decades of his life to public service, representing the people of Crawley and later West Sussex with dedication and competence.
“His appointment as a Freeman of the Borough in 2024 was a fitting recognition of his contribution to Crawley. Many will mourn his passing.”
There were tributes from Donna Johnson, chair of the county council, and Paul Marshall, leader of the Conservative Group.
Ms Johnson said she was ‘shocked and saddened by this news of Richard’s death, adding: “Richard was a hard-working, much loved member of West Sussex County Council and his efforts for the residents of West Sussex were respected across the chamber.”
Mr Marshall added: “Richard was a diligent councillor who had an excellent eye for detail. He played a leading part in the Conservative Group, as well as working in several senior roles on the county council. He will be greatly missed.”
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