Tributes have been paid to a 'hardworking' Nottinghamshire councillor who died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve, December 24. Councillor Brian Lohan, represented the Portland ward on Mansfield District Council.
The 61-year-old was elected in February 2010, and then went on to be elected for three terms to represent Portland constituents. He was Vice Chair of the council from 2011 to 2012 and then went on to be appointed as Chairman in 2012.
Councillor Lohan had served his community for decades and was an active member of the council and the Mansfield Labour Group. Andy Abrahams, Leader of the Mansfield Labour Group and Elected Mayor, said: Councillor Paul Henshaw, Chair of Mansfield Constituency Labour Party, said: "I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Councillor Brian Lohan. Brian was a hardworking, passionate councillor who worked for all his residents. He was also a proud ex-miner and solid NUM member. He loved Mansfield and always said he wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
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"On a personal note, I have known Brian since he was a member of the 6th Mansfield Boy's Brigade - an organisation he generously supported. The Labour movement has lost an activist and stalwart member. It has been an honour to be Brian's friend and comrade."
Upon becoming Chairman, he was presented with a Past Chair’s Medal by the former Elected Mayor, Tony Egginton, in May 2013, when he said that the council had bestowed upon him a great honour. Also, as chair, Councillor Lohan attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Councillor Brian Lohan was also a trustee of the Brunts Charity, an organisation which promotes independent living within a safeguarding environment for residents in the district. He also represented the council on several external bodies, including the Allotment Trustees, Queen Elizabeth’s Trust, Mansfield Education Foundation, the National Association for British Market Authorities and the Heilegenhaus Twinning Association.
Councillor John Coxhead, Secretary of the Mansfield Labour Group, added: "Brian was a truly genuine and honest councillor working day in and day out for the residents of the Portland ward. His commitment to Mansfield District Council was no less than 100 percent, and he carried out his role as councillor and chair of the council with duty and pride. He will be missed."
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