Members pay their respects to ‘perfect gentleman’ Councillor Phil White

Elected members from Bridgend County Borough Council have paid their respects to Councillor Phil White, who passed away recently after falling ill with the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Speaking at a meeting of full Council held earlier today (Wednesday 20 October), Council Leader Huw David paid tribute to Councillor White, who represented the Caerau ward. He said: “Even before he joined the authority in 2008, Councillor Phil White was passionate about people, his community, and his beliefs. His qualities quickly saw him appointed to the position of Cabinet Member for Communities with Bridgend County Borough Council.

“Councillor White continued to serve as a Cabinet member throughout the majority of the thirteen years he spent as a councillor, and until he retired from the role last year, he was most recently our Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help.

“This was, of course, only the tip of the iceberg when it came to Councillor White’s public service. Among the many responsibilities that he fulfilled, Councillor White was an enthusiastic and active council champion for both older people, and for children and young people.

“He chaired the likes of the Corporate Parenting Committee and the LV20 Physical Environment Group, and was a vice-chair of the Fostering Panel.

“An advocate for Social Enterprise and Community Empowerment, Councillor White was our delegate member of the Welsh Local Government Association, a director representative for the Bridgend Care and Repair Partnership, and a Mental Health Advocate.

“At Nantyffyllon Primary, he was a chair of governors, and a governor at Maesteg Comprehensive. He served as an independent member of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, a trustee member of the Bridgend Care and Repair Partnership, and more besides.

“Councillor White offered tireless service, and he did so while dealing with significant health issues of his own. Despite this, he never once allowed it to prevent him from carrying out his responsibilities, and his dedication proved to be an inspiration.

“On behalf of us all at Bridgend County Borough Council, we offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and close colleagues, and especially to his wife, Irene, and Phil’s children and grandchildren.”

Mayor John Spanswick added: “Words cannot say enough… Phil White was a dear friend, comrade and fellow councillor. My thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.”

Members from opposition parties also paid their respects. Councillor Matthew Voisey, group leader for the Conservatives, said: “We had a few issues with different beliefs, but outside of Council, whenever I spoke to him, he was a perfect gentleman. I wish I could have known him better, and would like to pass on my condolences to his friends and family on behalf of my group.”

Speaking on behalf of the Plaid Cymru group, Councillor James Radcliffe said: “I also wanted to pass on my condolences on behalf of all the Plaid Cymru group. I didn’t know Phil that well, but I remember his kindness when I first became a councillor, and I think that echoes the sentiments and are a measure of the man.”

Councillor Alex Williams, group leader for the Independent Alliance, said: “I would like to echo what colleagues have said. During the short time I have known him, he was always a perfect gentleman to me, and I will forever be thankful that I knew him.

“While we may have clashed during council meetings, politics needs to be set aside at times like these. My heartfelt condolences go out to his friends, family and wife Irene at this difficult time.”

Councillor White’s funeral will take place on 4 November at Maesteg Catholic Church. His family have requested that donations are made in lieu of flowers to the Caerau Development Trust, and Nantyffyllon Primary School.