TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Flintshire county councillor described as ‘a true gentleman’.

Nigel Steele-Mortimer died peacefully on November 3 aged 85 and is fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He is best known for having served thirty years as a borough and county councillor, representing the areas of Trelawnyd and Gwaenysgor on the Flintshire-Denbighshire border.

Nigel was first elected to the former Delyn Borough Council in 1987 and subsequently was a member of Flintshire Council from 1995 to 2017.

He was a Conservative member of Flintshire County Council from its 1995 inception.

The Leader:

Former Flintshire county councillor Nigel Steel-Mortimer, who has died aged 85

Already an experienced committee chair from his Delyn days, at Flintshire Council he chaired the Audit Committee for several years and acted as cabinet member for Education and Youth from 2008 to 2012. He was also active in the community, chairing a number of community centre and youth club management committees.

Leader of Flintshire County Council, Ian Roberts said: “I had known Nigel since my election to Delyn.

“He was a true gentleman, courteous and always keen to represent the interests of the people of Trelawnyd and Gwaenysgor.

“Between 2008 and 2012, he served as the Cabinet Member for Education and Youth, a role which I have had since 2017.

“Whilst our politics were different, we shared a common passion for promoting education in Flintshire.”

The Leader:

Beloved husband of Ann and father of Olivia, Frank, Robin and Hetty, his family have paid a moving tribute to him.

Chair of the Flintshire Council, Councillor Marion Bateman said: “Nigel was a well-known and respected member of the county council for twenty two years until his retirement in 2017.

“At the Council Meeting on November 19, there will be an opportunity for his former colleagues to pay tribute to him.

A statement on behalf of the Trelawnyd and Gwaenysgor Community Council said: “Nigel served as our county councillor for many years.

“He was a greatly respected political adversary and was a great voice for our community

“He was also an experienced and well known landowner and attended many community events.

“Most of all was a gentleman who can’t be replaced.

“Our most sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.”

Delyn Labour said: “It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of ex Cllr and Tory Group Leader at Flintshire County Council, Nigel Steele Mortimer.

“He was a real gent whose political style will be missed in these times. RIP Nigel.”

And Delyn MP David Hanson added: “Despite our political differences Nigel was a fair opponent and a devoted servant to his constituents.

“We had many disagreements but exchanged views with civility - my condolences go to his family.”

The funeral will be held at Llanasa Parish Church on Wednesday, November 13, at 11am. No flowers but donations, if desired, can be made to Clwyd Special Riding Centre.