A former leader of Reading Borough Council and a fellow Conservative councillor and activist have been remembered.
Tributes have been paid to Andrew Cumpsty and Mike Townend, both former Conservative councillors on Reading Borough Council who have both passed away recently.
Andrew Cumpsty, who was a representative for Caversham ward from 2004 to 2014 and founder of the Enterprise Forum, died on April 30.
Mike Townend, who was a representative for Church ward from 2007 to 2011 passed away on May 9.
The tributes to both men were read out by councillor Isobel Ballsdon at the annual council meeting on May 21.
Cllr Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights) noted that Mr Cumpsty was leader of the council from 2010 to 2012, when he presided over a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition.
She said: “It saw excellent collaborative work for the benefit of our town’s residents.
“During that time, he made many lasting friendships, including across political lines, and was known for his constructive approach to public service.
“Beyond his time on this council, Andrew served as a member of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, appointed under both Conservative and Labour governments.
“This role, which involves advising on the propriety of post-public service appointments, reflects the confidence placed in his judgement and integrity across the political spectrum.
“He was the founder and long-standing Chairman of the Enterprise Forum, a body that brought business and politics closer together, by encouraging open and respectful dialogue between sectors and viewpoints. Under his leadership, the Forum worked with representatives from across the political spectrum
“He was also a strong advocate for the arts in Reading, consistently lobbying for a dedicated arts centre and supporting cultural investment in the town.
“We send our sincere condolences to his husband Andrea and to his wider family and friends.”
Lord Eric Pickles, the current president of the Enterprise Forum, said: “I first met Andrew when he was a student at Bradford University, and I was the Leader of the City Council.
“Above everything, Andrew was such good company.
“He was a natural wit with a wicked sense of humour. Rarely a day would go by without an exchange of texts about the occasionally bizarre world of politics. Over recent years, I have laughed more in his company than in any others.”
Paying tribute to Mr Townend, cllr Ballsdon said: “He played a constructive and thoughtful role in the chamber during his time here.
“He brought a business-like approach to his work, shaped by his professional background, and was known for his considered contributions and his commitment to the residents he represented.
“He was well-liked across the political spectrum and was rarely seen without a smile.
“In addition to his work on the council, Mike served as a non-executive director of Reading Buses for 11 years, where he consistently advocated for bus users across the borough.
“After leaving Reading, Mike moved to Wokingham, where he was director of a local estate agency for many years. He remained politically active and continued to take an interest in local issues, standing again as a candidate in recent years.
“He adored his children.
“We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time.”
