Alderman Derek Hardy

Alderman Derek Hardy

We are sad to report the death of Alderman and former Mayor of Brentwood Derek Hardy, who has died aged 95 after a brief illness. 

Derek Hardy first joined the Liberal Party in 1948, and remained a member of the Liberal Democrats until his death.  His dedication to the Party - including fundraising events - was legendary.

He spent 17 years as a Brentwood Borough Councillor, becoming Mayor in 2005. He was granted the title of Alderman in 2015, in recognition of his services to Brentwood, including 25 years as a Parish Councillor.

Alderman Hardy was also an Essex County Councillor for 12 years and Chairman of the Education Committee during this time.

Councillor Barry Aspinell, the Leader of the Council said "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former Mayor, and Liberal Democrat Councillor for Brizes and Doddinghurst, Alderman Derek Hardy.

Derek was a great servant to Brentwood and to Essex. He was a County Council colleague for many years, serving as Cabinet Member for Education.

Councillor Aspinell added: " Derek served this Borough excellently at three levels of local government. He was a champion for our Borough and always carried himself in a professional and highly dignified way."

"He was highly valued by his fellow Councillors, especially by the Liberal Democrat group, who all benefited from his conduct, knowledge and experience."

As well as holding the positions of Cabinet Member for Education at Essex and Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Aspinell added: "Derek also immersed himself in very local issues as a passionate member of Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council, at one time serving as Chairman."

"As well as being a local school governor he completed his local government involvement by being one of the first Aldermen appointed in 2014. As a long time campaigner on local issues that affected local residents he will be sadly missed. A great example to us all."

Cllr David Kendall said: "Derek was a champion for Brizes and Doddinghurst. 

"His dedication to the Party and Brentwood spanned many decades and all levels of responsibility."

"Derek was a Liberal Democrat Councillor when we first took control of the Borough Council in 1991."

"My thoughts are with his family."

Alderman Hardy is survived by his wife Marjorie and his two children Janet and Nigel.