Tribute paid to Kent County Councillor and former Chatham House student John Simmonds

John Simmonds served on the county council for 17 years

Kent County Councillor John Simmonds, who was brought up in Broadstairs, has died.

The Conservative Member for Canterbury North, who had served since June 2001, passed away yesterday (August 19).

Mr Simmonds was brought up in Broadstairs and went to school at Chatham House, Ramsgate.

He entered local politics after a lifetime in banking and finance. He lived in Whitstable, moving there in 1964, with his wife Barbara, with whom he had three children.

The Leader of Kent County Council Paul Carter said: “Kent has been extremely fortunate to have benefitted from the enormous contribution that John made in his 17 years of public service to Kent County Council, both in the world of education but most prominently in his role as Cabinet Member for Finance.

“John brought a wealth of experience from his highly successful career in banking and finance.  In his role as Cabinet Member for Finance, John has steered Kent County Council in recent years through the most austere financial times the authority has ever experienced.

“John’s astute commercial and financial brain has enabled the Kent County Council to continue to deliver good services to our residents and businesses.

“John was a wise, intelligent, determined and gentle man much loved by all who worked with him, and he will be greatly missed.  Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”