Daughter pays tribute to 'passionate' councillor

The daughter of a long-serving councillor who died earlier this month said he was a "passionate" representative who wanted the best for people.

Andrew Harp, who was a member of Stafford Borough Council for two decades, died at his home near Milwich, Staffordshire, on 9 October aged 81.

Paying tribute to her father, Sarah Hudson described him as a devoted grandfather to her two children who she would remember for his kindness.

“Family was extremely important to him and being a councillor was something he was passionate about,” she said.

“He wanted the best for people and to make sure they got what they were entitled to and deserved.”

The ex-Conservative councillor was first elected in 2003 and remained on the authority until he stepped down last year.

He was originally from Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, before moving to Stone where he ran a car sales business.

Mr Harp was married to his wife Gill for 55 years and was a keen gardener alongside his community work.

He was first elected to represent the Fulford ward on Stafford Borough Council before he became a councillor for the Milwich ward in 2007.

His work included chairing the authority's planning committee, which held a minute’s silence in his memory during its latest meeting on 15 October.

Councillor Frances Beatty, current Milwich ward representative, said: “He was a countryman, understood rural issues and he was well-versed in planning.

“He was a ferocious defender of his local community and a dedicated Milwich ward councillor.”

Mr Harp’s funeral will take place at 12:00 BST on 15 November at St Mary’s Church, Stafford, and attendees are encouraged to wear bright, cheerful colours, which he was known for wearing.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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