Harry Andrews, the former leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, has sadly passed away at the age of 80.
Mr Andrews MBE represented the Gilfach ward for 49 years and stood down as leader of the authority in 2014. He passed away on Tuesday, March 27.
Council leader Dave Poole, said: “This is a very sad day for the Caerphilly county borough as Harry was an outstanding public servant.
“He dedicated his life to local politics and always worked hard to represent the best interests of the community. Harry’s legacy can be found in the transformation and regeneration of Bargoed and the surrounding areas, which he was instrumental and passionate in driving forward.
“Local Government has lost an influential figure and we have lost a good friend and colleague who will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.”
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.”
Colin Mann, the leader of the Plaid Cymru opposition group on Caerphilly County Borough Council said Mr Andrews was very well-respected.
Cllr Mann said: “Harry was a dedicated servant of local government who represented his community of Gilfach for many decades. He was very well-respected, both as a local member and leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council.
“I also saw at first hand the contribution he made as a valued member of the former Gwent Police Authority when I was also a member some years ago. Harry always had a pleasant word for people regardless of political affiliations.
“He will be sadly missed by his wife and family, his friends and all who knew him.”
Labour politicians have also been paying their tributes.
Caerphilly MP Wayne David said: “I knew Harry well and I was always impressed with his kindness, understanding and commitment to his local community of Gilfach.
“He was a brilliant councillor and a thoroughly decent man. He was always loyal to the Labour Party and epitomised the very best in public service. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Gerald Jones was Mr Andrews’ deputy leader when he was a councillor .
Mr Jones said: “Harry Andrews dedicated half a century to serving his community of Gilfach and to local government more generally.
“I admired and respected him and had the privilege during my time as a councillor of serving as his Deputy Leader. Harry was rooted in his community and residents of Gilfach always knew that they had a real champion on their side. My thoughts are with Doreen and the family at this very sad time.”
A wonderful life well led. Cllr Harry Andrews, with the late Cllr Keith Reynolds, on his retirement in 2016. I do my best to follow his approach to politics. No enemies, only opponents and friends. Harry, like so many, I will miss you very much. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Z3fhD0ZbWg
— Hefin David AC/AM (@hef4caerphilly) March 28, 2018
Mr Andrews was a Labour councillor who twice led Caerphilly County Borough Council from 2004 to 2008 and again between 2012 and 2014.
Made an MBE in 2003, Mr Andrews stood down as leader is May 2014 but stayed on as a councillor.
In 2016 when he retired as a councillor because of ill health. He told Caerphilly Observer the time was right to spend time with his wife and family.
He said: “I discussed it and my children, who are grown up, and they were really anxious to see us bow out and take advantage of whatever time is left.”
First elected to Gelligaer Urban District Council in 1967, Mr Andrews served on Rhymney Valley District Council and then on Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Despite stepping down, Mr Andrews said he found it hard to ignore problems in his community and still had the instinct to help and improve things.
Harry worked tirelessly for his community and will be sadly missed.
Condolences to his family at this sad time.
Harry was a nice bloke. I knew him for about 20 years. He was always willing to work with people of any poitical persuasion – not for Harry the narrow minded, puerile attitude of ‘us and them’ that is all too common in politics. Harry engaged with everyone in a friendly, constructive manner. He will be missed, especially by the people of Gilfach ward for whom he achieved so much.