Councillor Bob Matthews was ward member for Credenhill and Group Leader for the True Independents
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Councillor Bob Matthews yesterday (Thursday 20 June 2024).
Councillor Matthews was one of our longest serving councillors, working as a councillor at the start of Herefordshire Council becoming a unitary authority on 1 April 1998.
As well as working for his constituents as ward member for Credenhill, Councillor Matthews was Group Leader for the True Independents, and a committee member on the Scrutiny Management Board and the Employment Panel. He also served on a number of outside bodies and joint committees.
Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council said:
“On behalf of all Herefordshire Councillors I want to express our sadness at the death of Councillor Bob Matthews.
“Cllr Matthews dedicated so much of his life to serving the public, shaping, influencing and improving the decisions of this council. He was a very active champion of local democracy, and extremely passionate and active in representing his constituents, benefitting so many people over his many years of service.
“Many members of this council were encouraged to stand as a councillor as a result of his active engagement and passion around the role councillors play in serving this county. He will be missed by us all.
“Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
As a mark of respect the Union Flag at the Shirehall will remain at half-mast until the day of Councillor Matthews’s funeral.
The Union Flag at the Town Hall will fly at half-mast until Monday 24 June, and then the Armed Forces Flag will be raised at full-mast for the day to mark Armed Forces Week. The Union Flag will then fly at half-mast from Tuesday 25 June until the day of Councillor Matthews’s funeral.