Councillor Robert Brookbank

I was very sad to hear earlier this week of the death of my colleague and neighbouring County Councillor, Robert Brookbank.

Robert was elected to represent Swanley in 2009 (having been unlucky to miss election narrowly in 2005), and, in a very personal victory, re-elected in 2013. All County Councillors - so long as they are doing their job - have a strong link to the Division they represent. Some, however, are particularly associated with an area. This is true, for example, of our current County Council Chairman, Tom Gates, who is 'Mr Faversham'. And it was true of Robert, who was very much a representative of Swanley. He sat also on the Town and District Councils, and was a strong and knowledgeable representative of the town at County Hall.

In addition, he chaired the County Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC), winning respect from council and NHS colleagues alike. Increasingly, he had to battle his own ill-health, but continued to contribute.

Robert was dedicated to Swanley and to Kent. He knew local government well from long experience, including his previous career working for the GLC. He was wise and knowledgeable; I, and many others, will miss him.