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Roy Shaw - honoured for 51 years of service |
Roy: ‘the King of Camden
’Former council leader is made honorary alderman
after 51 years of service
A FORMER colleague once told Roy Shaw that he wouldn’t get far in politics because he was too honest.
Last night (Wednesday), that hopeless guidance was laid bare as he became Camden’s first honorary alderman for his record-breaking 51 years of unbroken service.
The 81-year-old, due to the ill-health that has finally forced him to retire, could not attend a special ceremony held at the Town Hall in his honour.
Like a who’s who of Camden politics, friends and former colleagues lined up to pay tribute to Mr Shaw, a former leader of the council and ex-mayor.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said he had often argued with Mr Shaw when the two had been on the council together in the late 70s and early 80s – but he said: “There was no acrimony. He was too much of a nice guy. I don’t think we will ever see his like again. I don’t think we will ever see somebody give over 50 years’ unbroken service.”
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, a close friend of Mr Shaw and another former Camden councillor, said: “Phoning up Roy in the evening, you would be competing with Wagner more than anything else.
“We had a continuing agony aunt relationship. We had more late-night conversations with Roy about his romantic problems than the Labour party.”
She added: “I have so many memories of the battles that we fought and won, the battles we fought and lost, the laughs we had, but I think most of all Roy was about what local government should be: making people’s lives better. Camden is very grateful for the service he has given.”
Mr Shaw was the Mayor in 2000. He is highly regarded in local government circles and was made an OBE for his work in setting up the Audit Commission.
Current Labour leader Councillor Anna Stewart added: “Roy stepping down leaves a big hole. He is held in the highest affection.
“He is probably the dominant figure in the recent history of the Labour movement in Camden.”
Holborn and St Pancras MP Frank Dobson said: “I remember thinking of Roy as an aldermanic figure long before this ceremony. People often say that politicians are only in it for themselves. If you went to Roy’s flat in Malden Road then you wouldn’t think that.
“He epitomised all that is best in local government, in people who give up their time voluntarily to help others.
“There are a lot more famous people – the world is full of celebrities – but very few of them have done as much for their fellow citizens as Roy Shaw.”
Dame Jane Roberts, the former Labour leader of the council, and Lord Tony Clarke of Hampstead also made speeches.
Labour councillor and old friend Julian Fulbrook donated a German beer tankard that Mr Shaw had given to him 20 years ago. Mr Shaw had taken it with him when he crossed the Rhine in a World War Two tank. It will be put on display in the Mayor’s parlour.
Cllr Fulbrook said: “It was one of Roy’s most treasured possessions which he gave to me as a present some time back. I’m of the view that this 60-year-old relic of his valour would be better displayed in the Mayor’s parlour than in my kitchen.”
Pamela Downing, one of Mr Shaw’s five sisters, accepted the alderman badge on his behalf.
She said: “I’m overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure how it would be. I wondered if he’d have had a better life if he hadn’t been wrapped up in politics. But its been lovely to hear how much he was appreciated. It was nice hearing about everything. It was all special.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Flick Rea said: “He will be sorely missed. Although we are here to propose him the position of honorary alderman, I like to think Roy was the unofficial King of Camden.” Conservative leader councillor Andrew Marshall also added a tribute.
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