Lord Bob Kerslake. Image © Redactive
Shocked local government leaders and national politicians have shared generous tributes to the former president of the LGA and head of the civil service, Lord Bob Kerslake.
Many of the delegates at its annual conference were still processing the news that he had died shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove opened his speech by acknowledging that “the LGA family have lost one of its own”.
He shared how Lord Kerslake had risen to lead the fourth biggest council in the country before taking the helm at the Homes and Communities Agency and becoming permanent secretary of the Communities and Local Government department.
Gove added: “On a personal level, at the Department for Education, I benefitted hugely from Bob’s knowledge, reflections and wisdom.”
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner paid tribute to a “great friend and adviser to Labour in local government”.
“He was a man who accomplished so much – in local and national government – and showed such dedication to public service. If you met Bob – or worked with him – you too would have been struck by his kindness, decency, wisdom, kindness, enthusiasm and generosity,” she added.
CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman, writing for PF, also shared his reflections: “From the start, I just always wanted to stay in touch with him as a source of advice, guidance and friendship.
“Like many, I feel bereft that we have all lost someone who filled a unique space across the whole public sector and regeneration of our cities and towns. He is irreplaceable,” he said. “I spoke to Bob a couple of weeks before he passed away, and the dignity with which he handled a shockingly quick illness was another lesson for us all to draw upon one day.”
The new leader of the LGA, Cllr Shaun Davies added: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
