Today (15 January 2019) we pay tribute and say goodbye to Party member Kevin Gilligan, whose funeral took place at St Mary’s university chapel.

Kevin was one of our longest-standing and active members. He stood as a candidate for us many times, starting in the 1960s, and served as a Labour councillor between 1974 and 1978. He served in many Party positions, particularly in our Teddington branch. Kevin was a staunch campaigner, with an independence of mind, and an enthusiasm for robust conversations on the doorstep.

Kevin used his technical knowledge to help us analyse the results of door-step canvassing, which contributed to our winning seats in the council elections in 1994, and he was part of the team that developed these approaches nationally; we still use the successor IT systems today.

Kevin had been attending our regular meetings until October, and he also found time to share his great knowledge with colleagues who are re-establishing a Teddington branch.

Many people knew him and enjoyed his wisdom and company. He will be sadly missed. All our thoughts are with his family.

Philip Moshi, Chair
Nick Dexter, Secretary