Flags outside the Guildhall, Council House and at the Belvedere on the Hoe, have been lowered to half-mast today (18 April 2023) in memory of Councillor Brian Vincent, who passed away this week.
Councillor Vincent was a ward councillor for Efford and Lipson. He was first elected in 1997-2000 and was re-elected in 2003.
He represented the City as Lord Mayor from 2008 to 2009. Prior to that he was the Deputy Lord Mayor. Councillor Vincent was also the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Planning and sat on a number of committees, including the Children and Young People committee, Planning committee and more recently the Performance, Finance and Customer Focus committee.
During his time as a councillor, Councillor Vincent was an active supporter of local groups and organisations – including donating community grant funding to the Urban Art Project to help local artists, St Paul’s Church to help with their Christmas Hampers collection, Suited to Help to fund suitable work wear for unemployed veterans, Drake Colts FC for new kit for the under 12’s team and Lipson Co-operative Academy to help fund lap tops during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “This is very sad news. Councillor Vincent was a real community champion in every sense of the word and will be sadly missed.
“He was a true gentleman and was a pleasure to work with in the Council chamber. He was a very intelligent, thoughtful and methodical person, which made his contribution to the many council committees he served on a valuable one. He will be missed.
“Brian was also well known for his love of Plymouth’s green spaces. He was a champion of the environment and will leave a lasting legacy in Efford and Lipson not just as a councillor, but as someone who put family, community and compassion front and centre in everything he did."
Councillor Mark Shayer, Interim Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Brian was a hugely dedicated councillor, he was well respected by everyone and will be sorely missed.
"He was a defender of local decision making, a committed public servant and a champion for the people he represented. His loss will be felt by all councillors, regardless of politics. He will be sorely missed.
"All our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this sad time."
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of the Labour Group at Plymouth City Council, added: “Myself and all my colleagues in the Labour group are extremely saddened at the passing of such a valued friend and respected colleague.
“Brian had a great sense of humour and was always available for a few words of advice when needed. He was a talented councillor who always conducted himself on the Council with great dignity and politeness to everyone.
“Plymouth has lost a true friend. Our condolences go to his family and friends.”
Tracey Lee, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council, added: “We are all saddened to hear about Councillor Vincent’s passing. He was a dedicated councillor who was passionate about the community he represented. He was well known for going the extra mile to help people and organisations in Efford and Lipson. He will be missed.
“On behalf of all of us at Plymouth City Council, I would like to offer his family and friends our deepest condolences at this difficult time.”
The funeral will take place at The Minister Church of St Andrew, Plymouth on Thursday 18 May at 12.30pm.