Tributes to former councillor who served 40 years

Tributes have been paid to a former councillor who served his community for more than 40 years.

Alderman Peter Mole, who has died aged 83, was first elected to represent Gateshead's Wrekendyke ward in 1976, and later Wardley and Leam Lane from 1982 until 2018.

During his time on the council he served as ceremonial mayor and was a cabinet member between 2002 and 2015.

Council leader Martin Gannon said: "The passion and commitment Peter devoted to local government never diminished which is an incredible achievement over such a long period of time."

Mr Mole worked as the general secretary of the National Association of Councillors, which represents elected officials from local authorities.

He led a campaign to change the laws surrounding the ownership of airguns and this led to the legal age for buying them being increased from 14 to 18.

At the time of his tenure, he was the local authority's longest-serving councillor. He also took on its champion for older people role.

In 2006, Mr Mole was appointed MBE for services to local government and he was given the freedom of Gateshead in 2018.

"To be awarded the freedom of the borough is rare but this honour was well deserved for Peter as he made a huge contribution to our borough serving local people for over four decades," Labour's Gannon said.

"Our thoughts are with Peter's family at this sad time."

Liberal Democrat opposition leader Ron Beadle called Mr Mole "an unforgettable figure in local politics" who had a "wicked sense of humour".

"Larger than life, a former military man who really led from the front," he added.

"On issues including protecting private sector tenants, he brought about change in national legislation and he will live long in the memory."

Additional reporting by Austen Shakespeare, Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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