Brentwood Lib Dem's 60-year service honoured

A former mayor of Brentwood has been honoured by Westminster party chiefs for his 60 years of loyal service to the Liberal and Liberal Democrat parties.

Derek Hardy received the prestigious President's Award from Liberal Democrat Party president Simon Hughes at the party's packed conference in Bournemouth yesterday.

Mr Hardy has been a party member since 1948 and remains involved as honorary president of Brentwood and Ongar Liberal Democrats.

He will be 80 next month and stood down from active politics at the local elections in May this year after serving for 17 years as ward councillor for Brizes and Doddinghurst

He also served as a county councillor for 12 years and was a parish councillor for 25 years.

Cllr David Kendall, Brentwood Liberal Democrat leader, said: "Derek has been a tremendous servant to the local community and Brentwood as a whole during his time as parish, borough and Essex county councillor.

"I am delighted that his time, the dedication he has given the council and his community duties have been recognised by the national party."

Speaking at the ceremony, Simon Hughes said: "We are proud of your membership and we are very pleased to give you this award."

Mike le-Surf, leader of Brentwood's Labour group said: "It's much deserved.

"He's a really lovely guy and he has done a lot for the borough and the council."

Deputy council leader Jean McGinley said: "The conference was an appropriate occasion for the Liberal Democrat party to recognise Mr Hardy's 60 years of dedicated service."