Floral tribute left in chamber to councillor who died

A touching tribute has been paid to a “proud” councillor who died just days after he was re-elected.

A single red rose was left by Labour councillors in the Guildhall in Worcester to remember colleague Cllr Simon Cronin who died last week aged 64 after a short illness.

The flower, the symbol of the Labour Party, was placed in front of Cllr Cronin’s nameplate in the council chamber ahead of Tuesday’s annual council meeting.

Cllr Richard Udall tweeted a photo of the rose with the caption: “We will remember him.”

The annual council meeting was also used as an opportunity by councillors to pay tribute to Cllr Cronin.

Nunnery ward colleague Cllr Pat Agar, who had known Cllr Cronin for more than 25 years, paid an emotional tribute highlighting his love of real ale, travelling, his enduring anti-racism work, as well as a penchant for collecting – including Royal Worcester porcelain, paintings, stamps and coins – and above all else, his love for Worcester.

“Simon was very proud to be a councillor,” she said. “He was a local man through and through.

“The thing I always remember about Simon is his gift for friendship and his kind heart and that will stay with me. And I hope it will stay with you too.”

Labour group leader Lynn Denham said she had been “overwhelmed” by the tributes to Cllr Cronin “from so many directions.”

“He was a Worcester man who always had time to chat and share a coffee and share a story,” she said.

“The common theme from all the contact that has come our way is that he was a kind, gentle and generous man who had a positive impact on the people around him, which is a pretty good legacy.

“He died as he wanted, as Councillor Cronin for Nunnery ward.”

Tory leader Cllr James Stanley said the council had been “diminished” by the loss of Cllr Cronin and Green councillor Neil Laurenson said meeting the Nunnery councillor was “one of the best things that had happened to him at the city council.”

“He was always a friendly face,” he said. “He was liked and respected by councillors from all parties, council staff and many Worcester residents.”

Cllr Alan Amos said: “I will miss him and I think everybody who knew him will miss him. He will be remembered with great fondness.”