Barrie Taylor

A RESPECTED former councillor who founded and helped maintain a series charities in Paddington and was the husband of Karen Buck MP has died, it was announced this week.

Barrie Taylor, who died on Sunday, served as a Labour councillor in Westminster from 1986 to 1990 for Bayswater and then from 1994 to 2018 for Queen’s Park.

He was deputy leader of the Labour group and group whip for many years, serving on health scrutiny committees, until his retirement from the council he was made an Honorary Alderman in 2018.

Ms Buck described him in a post on social media as a “father to three beloved children and three equally beloved grandchildren, Westminster councillor, alderman, a dedicated public servant with a lifetime of service in the NHS”.

Westminster Labour group described him as “a loyal friend, a wise mentor, a funny companion, champion of young people, and a terrifying driver”.

Its statement said: “There are so many people who have Barrie to thank for giving them the confidence and support to fulfil their potential in public or community service.

“His abundant legacy in Westminster also includes his enthusiasm for promoting the interests of young people, including Trees for Christmas, an annual not-for-profit project that involved local young people selling Christmas trees each December. Barrie was also the founder of the Paddington Festival, and active with many local charities including Paddington Arts and Paddington Farm.”

Barrie Taylor served for many years as chief executive of the South West Herts Community Health Council before working for the Local Government Association Labour group and as a peer reviewer for the LGA.

“A committed West Brom fan with a passion for local government, public health and effective scrutiny.”