A FORMER Mayor of Worcester has led the tributes to a retired Labour councillor and Guildhall leader who has died from a long illness at the age of 86.
Margaret Wills was first elected to Worcester City Council in April 1981, representing the former St. Barnabas ward- now the Rainbow Hill ward – for Labour. She went on to serve for 19 years until retiring in May 2000.
During her near two decades of public service, Margaret was chair of the Planning Committee in its various guises from 1984 to 1992 and was leader of the council from May 1998 to May 1999.
She also had a spell as chair of the Technical Services Committee and was also a Worcestershire County Councillor.
The respected Labour voice passed away peacefully on November 11.
Current Rainbow Ward councillor and former Labour group leader and Worcester’s first citizen Adrian Gregson said: “Margaret was a very caring and community-minded councillor, particularly interested in decent housing and high quality planning development for local people.
“She was well liked across the political spectrum, not just for her drive and intellect but also her personality, warmth and enthusiasm. Her socialist commitment was undimmed.
“For a youthful councillor like me, she was an inspiring mentor and colleague and it was always a pleasure to meet her after she had retired from the local political scene,” the Labour councillor added.
Margaret will be laid to rest at Astwood Cemetery natural burial area tomorrow (Wednesday).
