Councillor Brian Williams (Con) is standing down on 1 May, aged 90, having served on six councils since 1960. He is currently Vice Chairman of Shropshire Council and Chair of its Audit Committee
Why did you become a councillor?
I trained as an accountant, but changed career in my 20s to become a civil engineer, and subsequently had my own construction business, specialising in roads and bridges. I became a councillor because I was a politically active Young Conservative, and a vacancy occurred in the ward in which I lived. I saw this as an opportunity to become involved in public service while still maintaining my business career.
How are things better or worse since you first became a councillor?
Sadly, much worse, because councils then were well funded through domestic and business rates, and could maintain standards of provision and maintenance of services that are impossible today with the growth in the cost of care for the elderly and for children’s services.
Would you recommend the role to others?
If you can stand the frustration of not being able to get things done for your residents because of financial constraints, it is still rewarding for the advice you can offer them and the policies you can contribute to as a member of the council.
What advice would you give newly elected members?
Get to know the senior officers across your council and build a sound working relationship with them while understanding the limitations of their roles. Their advice and knowledge can help you a lot in dealing with residents’ problems.
What’s your proudest achievement as a councillor?
Of the six councils on which I have served – four of which were dissolved (Prestwich Borough, Greater Manchester County, North Shropshire District and Shropshire County), one on which I lost my seat (Manchester City), and the one from which I am retiring (Shropshire), there has never been anything but regret from residents, officers, parish councillors and even political opponents that the working relationship is ending. They have all expressed warmth and respect for the way in which I have tried to serve the community.
What advice would you give to councils currently going through local government reorganisation?
Once reorganisation has been announced, members should start to plan the structure of the new larger council immediately, so that senior officers can be appointed to ‘shadow’ roles and staff appointed to move seamlessly into the new organisations. Don’t let political differences cause delay!
What does the future hold for the sector?
As an essential part of the governance structure of the country, it must be supported by central government with long-term financial help to enable councils to plan their finances several years ahead. Local government has been bedevilled for years by ‘short-termism’ from central government.
What are your plans for the future?
I have a lifelong interest in canals, having had many narrowboat holidays and now walking the towpaths. I am a trustee of the Montgomery Canal Restoration Trust and, last year, I was elected to the council of the Canal & River Trust for a four-year term, until I am 93. If then still in good health and mind, I will hope to serve another term.
- Do you know of an older serving councillor than Cllr Williams, and/or someone who was elected prior to 1960? Please email [email protected]