A former Mayor of Swindon, Brian Ford, who has recently died, was described as a “team player” who went out of his way to be approachable, and with a very dry sense of humour.”

Mr Ford died suddenly last week, and his death has united serving and former councillors across the political spectrum in sorrow.

Mr Ford had been a councillor for Wroughton, and more latterly Wroughton and Wichelstowe for nearly 40 years. His 38 years as a councillor spanned the period when Swindon Borough Council replaced Thamesdown Borough Council in 1996, and he was deputy Mayor in 1997-98 and Mayor in 1998-99.

His colleague in Wroughton for many years was former councillor Cathy Martyn. She said: “ Brian gave 38 years of his life to the people of Wroughton, that’s a huge part of his life.

“His sense of community and civic responsibility was huge.

“He went out of his way to be approachable, and he had a very dry sense of humour. But he was a real team player, he always wanted to work with people, collaboratively.”

David Renard, who was leader of the council until May 2023 added: “I worked with Brian for 22 years, and counted him as a friend. What stands out is his huge commitment to public service as Mayor, deputy leader of the council for a year and a cabinet member in a variety of roles.

“He was always very loyal and gave good advice whether politically, or if we were together socially- we’d sometimes enjoy a curry and a glass of red wine or two together. I shall miss him.”

Councillor Gary Sumner, now leader of the Conservative group, said: “Brian was rather like the ‘father of the group’. Good advice always available, based on his years of experience.

“Behind the scenes, he was a great friend who loved his golf and a glass of good red wine. He was fantastic company, loved his village of Wroughton and will be greatly missed by all of us in the Conservative Group.”

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Brian was a hard-working councillor who was passionate about Wroughton and serving his local community as best he could.

“I enjoyed our exchanges in council meetings and, while we had our political differences, he commanded great respect from everyone in the chamber. He would also always be happy to work collaboratively with the Labour group. He was a lovely man.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

As well as his duties as a ward councillor, Mr Ford was the borough’s cabinet member for adults’ services and health until May 2023.

He oversaw Swindon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and also promoted hugely successful initiatives such as Beat the Street and the Big Swindon Knit.

As well as chairing the council and fulfilling his ceremonial civic duties as Mayor, Mr Ford, sat on the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority and served as a Governor of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and was for several years the chairman of the council’s Health & Wellbeing Board, which included councillors, residents, patients advocates and members of the health and emergency services.

He was well-known as a champion for volunteering and would often attend events to thank those who gave up their spare time to help others.

Mr Ford’s funeral will be at 1pm on Tuesday  June 18 at North Wiltshire Crematorium.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Prospect Hospice.

Mr Ford is survived by his wife Stella and two children.