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Margaret Little was a brave politician
• YOUR report of the death of former Councillor Margaret Little was not unexpected.
For a number of years, during her illness, Margaret had been bravely facing the inevitable. She was brave and resolute throughout her political life.
Margaret and I were first elected to the council in the same year, 1994. For eight years we represented adjoining wards in Hampstead, but were from different political parties. This difference never interfered in our wish to collaborate on cross-border issues, knowing that our respective constituents rarely recognised such boundaries. Together, we made a number of local gains, including traffic calming in east Hampstead and in the refurbishment of Hampstead Heath Station.
Margaret believed with me that local government was less to do with party politics and much more to do with serving the people. She did this with dedication and skill.
GERRY HARRISON
Inkerman Road, NW5
• I WAS so sorry to hear of Margaret Little’s death, and would like to extend the sympathies of my council group and the local Conservative party to all her family and friends.
I was fortunate enough to chat to Margaret a few weeks ago at the South End Green Festival and she was as sparkling as ever.
There will be many tributes about her dedication to Hampstead, and to Camden as a whole, because she never restricted herself just to parish-pump concerns, important as they are. She was a delight to serve alongside, and she showed how an opposition councillor can make a real difference by intelligent criticism combined with a shared commitment to civic concerns.
Margaret’s political involvement also reminds us of the impact the SDP made in its short history. She really did represent all that is best in local government, and let’s hope that her example encourages others to recognise the positive role that local elective office under a party label can play.
CLLR ANDREW MARSHALL
Deputy Leader and Leader of the Conservative Group
Camden Council
• THE news that Margaret Little has passed away is a blow to many of us.
Margaret was a close friend, a strong political ally and a wise counsellor.
Her sure touch on local issues was amazing and her sense of service was impressive.
No issue and no case was ever too small – post offices, the police station, inidividual planning applications, street furniture, trees – all came within her scope and she relished each of them.
But what was strongest and best about Margaret was her charm and good humour.
She could be stern but she was always warm and she made time for you.
I am more than grateful for her advice, her patience and for her sheer hard work.
Most of all Margaret and I worked closely on issues of education and schooling.
She led for the Liberal Democrats on education in the council chamber and was a key player in the school governor appointment process.
It was Margaret who drew me into this loop and I’m deeply grateful to her – being able to draw on her experience and 14 years’ service as a local councillor for Hampstead Town was crucial for me and I will miss her deeply.
Thank you Margaret.
ED FORDHAM
Liberal Democrat
Parliamentary Spokesman for Hampstead and Kilburn
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