Tributes to 'kind and generous' ex-council leader

A "kind and generous" former council leader has been remembered for his "calm leadership".

Tony Johnson was the leader of Herefordshire Council from May 2013 to May 2018 and continued to serve as a councillor for the Hope End ward until stepping down from public office in 2023.

Following his death in May at the age of 89, the current leader, Jonathan Lester, said Johnson was widely respected and encouraging towards those he worked with.

"Tony Johnson was a kind and generous man, dedicated to his duties as both councillor and council leader," Lester said.

"He was widely respected and, for those fortunate enough to have known him, will be remembered for his good nature and the ease with which he got along with others.

"He was wholly committed to leading the council and carried out his responsibilities with determination and forbearance, always encouraging those he worked with."

Johnson was first elected in 2010 and, as well as being leader of the council, he also represented the authority as chair of the Marches Enterprise Joint Committee.

He oversaw a period of significant change in the county, including the completion and opening of the Old Market retail and leisure development in 2014.

It was one of the most significant regeneration projects in the city, built on the site of a former livestock market, transforming a long-standing brownfield area in the city centre.

Before entering local government, Johnson spent more than 30 years working in the banking sector, retiring in 2001.

"He was a true public servant. It was a privilege to have worked with him and, like many, I will miss him very much," Lester added.

As a mark of respect, Herefordshire Council will fly the county flag at half-mast on the day of his funeral.

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