Even when you know someone's been ill, it still comes as a shock to hear about their death. Especially when you hear via a copy of the South London Press (not yet up-to-date online) being placed in front of you.
Tim was always excellent company. We spent four good years, and then some, propping up bars. I can't say we always agreed - indeed, one of my best anti-Iraq war posts was at the transcript of a rant I had had at Tim 2½ years ago. But he was obsessively devoted to Streatham South Ward.
The official tribute from Labour Group Leadership says
It's impossible to think of Tim without remembering how sociable he was. He loved discussing football and politics over a drink and a cigarette in his local pub. Tim had an instinctive understanding of people and a desire to serve his community. It was this that gave Tim so many friends and admirers from all political parties.Tim was a kind and gentle person. He was good company, a great community councillor, an outstanding mayor, and in his final months he showed us too that he was a man of great courage and dignity as his fought very publicly against his illness. Tim is a friend we will miss very much over the coming months and years.
That's the third of the 1998 intake who has died far too young. One less character.
I wonder if the LibDims will force the by-election or allow the 6-month rule to come into play...?
Update: The SLP now has their tribute online,
