Cllr Chris Abbott with (then) Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown in 1992

Liberal Democrats in Redcar are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of long-standing Councillor Chris Abbott.

He had been a Liberal and Liberal Democrat Councillor since the 1970s and was the current Deputy Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland. He worked tirelessly for the residents of Newcomen ward and used his experience to support newly elected councillors. He was also Ian Swales’ agent during his 2005 and winning 2010 General Election campaigns.

Raised in Harrogate, Chris started as a town councillor in Whitby in the 1970s and stood for Hartlepool in the 1979 General Election. Since then he has been a Borough and County Councillor in Redcar, serving as Lib Dem Group Leader until 2011. He stood for Parliament in Redcar in 1992. From 2003 to 2007 he was a Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration during the Lib Dem/Conservative/Independent coalition and also spent many years serving on the Cleveland Police Authority. His experience and devotion to residents led to Ian Swales appointing him as a caseworker in his office when he was first elected as a Member of Parliament.

Outside politics he was a keen angler, bird-watcher and a devoted fan of Leeds United Football Club. A proud Yorkshireman, he was deeply involved with the Yorkshire Ridings Society and was instrumental in bringing “Yorkshire Day” celebrations to Redcar.

Chris and his wife Glynis (who died in 2011) had three children and six grandchildren.

Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Josh Mason said:

“Chris was a bastion of local democracy and a lifelong liberal, whose knowledge, passion and dedicated community work have been an inspiration to us all.

“Redcar & Cleveland Council will be a lesser place without his principled values, commitment and tireless efforts for local people.

“On behalf of Redcar Liberal Democrats, I offer sincere condolences to Chris’s family and to all who knew him, as we mourn together, the loss of a dear friend.”

Former Redcar MP Ian Swales added:

“He was a wonderful man and lifelong Lib Dem. He was my agent in 2005 and 2010 and without him I would have got nowhere.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”