Shocked colleagues have paid tribute to a Gosport ward councillor who has died suddenly.
Liberal Democrat Bob Maynard had been Bridgemary’s ward councillor since May 2022 for Gosport Borough Council. He also served on the council’s community and environment board as vice chair.
He has been described by fellow councillors as “a campaigner for the people he represented”, a “champion” for Bridgemary and colleagues said his legacy will be the improvements to the play park and skate park.
Council leader Peter Chegwyn (Lib Dem, Forton) said: “I was deeply shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of my friend and council colleague Bob Maynard.
“Bob had a particular interest in environmental issues and improving sports and leisure facilities in the borough.
“The new play area in the Bridgemary ward and the new floodlights for the Bridgemary skatepark which he successfully campaigned for are just part of the legacy he has left for Gosport.
“Bob was a tireless champion for the Bridgemary ward which he had represented on Gosport Council since May 2022.
“He was one of Gosport’s hardest-working councillors and he was liked and respected by all who knew him.
“We will miss him greatly.”
Fellow Bridgemary ward councillor Steve Hammond (Lib Dem) said: “Bob was a loyal and hard-working colleague who always put Bridgemary interests first.
“We worked well together, and I always valued his help, advice and support. Many residents in Bridgemary have cause to be grateful to Bob for helping them with local issues and problems.
“He was an indefatigable campaigner for the people he represented, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
Gosport’s opposition Conservative party leader, Councillor Stephen Phillpott (Peel Common) said he did not know him well, but worked with Cllr Maynard as county councillor for the Bridgemary ward they both represented.
He added: “He was unfailingly polite, and deeply knowledgeable about his ward. In my conversations with Bob it was evident that he was an intelligent and thoughtful person.
“My condolences have been conveyed to his widow, Lizzie, and our thoughts are with her and the family at this very difficult time.”
A by-election will likely follow if at least two people in Gosport request one is held.
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