Colleagues pay tribute to late Carlisle councillor John Bell

John Bell was a councillor on Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council, representing the wards of Morton for both in his career.

He was chair of Cumbria County Council during his career in politics, but those who spoke of him and his life said he never forgot his promise to represent the people of Morton and their interests at the council level.

A Labour councillor, he has made strong connections within the party, and his fellow Labour councillors said he was a great colleague to work with.

Lisa Brown, who is the leader of Carlisle Labour, and deputy leader of the new Cumberland Council which takes power on April 1, said about his passing: “It was a shock, he was a Labour party member for many years and a city and county councillor.

Lisa Brown (Image: Lisa Brown)

“He was well loved in Morton, people talked really fondly of him in Morton.

“I know he wasn't going forward to Cumberland, but he will be sadly missed by his colleagues in the Carlisle Labour group but also the county Labour group.

“He was a strong advocate for Morton, it will be a sad loss for the people, and a sad loss for Ann (who was John Bell’s wife).

Julie Minns, who is the parliamentary candidate for Labour at the next general election, wrote: “(I am) very sad to hear of the passing of Councillor John Bell.

Julie Minns (Image: Supplied)

“A good public servant, he cared passionately about the Morton community and its residents.

“Ann and their family are in my prayers.”

Colin Glover, the deputy mayor of Carlisle, and who was a colleague of John’s, said: “Up until he died, he was a serving county councillor.

Colin Glover (Image: Colin Glover)

“He was highly respected in his local community, and his colleagues, and was a hard-working member of both councils.

“He had a calm and friendly attitude when it came to supporting his community, and he really wanted to be a councillor for the area where he lived.

“He’s done a great service for Morton.

“I remember when we were out on the doorsteps campaigning, I saw how much regard the community had for him.

“He naturally will be hugely missed by his community and his family.”

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