Tributes to former Rutland County Councillor Terry King who died over the weekend

Staff and officers at Rutland County Council are deeply saddened by the death of former council leader Terry King, who died on Friday (November 23) aged 71.

Terry, who lived in Cottesmore, suffered a suspected stroke in December 2016, and resigned just a month later to focus on his health. It is believed he had been ill for some time before his death over the weekend. He leaves wife Linda.

Terry King was elected as leader of Rutland County Council in February 2016, following the death of his friend and colleague Roger Begy, and was the council’s long standing portfolio holder for development and finance.

He first became the ward member for Exton in 1999 and was re-elected by his constituents on three successive occasions before standing down as a county councillor and leader of the council in January 2017.

Council leader Oliver Hemsley (Con) said: “Terry King made an immeasurable contribution to the Council throughout his time as a Ward Member, Portfolio Holder and as Leader. He first entered local politics shortly after Rutland gained independence, applying his many years of experience and considerable business acumen to help the county navigate numerous challenges and become the vibrant and prosperous place it is today. Terry’s loss will be felt by everyone he worked with at Rutland County Council and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this extremely difficult time.”

Coun Kenneth Bool, chairman of Rutland County Council, said: “All elected members who worked with Terry King held him in the highest possible regard and are incredibly sad to learn that he has passed away. His commitment and shrewd character made him an outstanding councillor and one who never lost sight of the needs of local people. We must also recognise his wider contribution to Rutland, as a successful businessman who created jobs in our area and supported our local economy. The condolences of everyone at Rutland County Council go to his wife and family.”

Sir Alan Duncan, MP for Rutland and Melton, said: “Terry King was a well-known and hugely respected member of Rutland’s business community. He was also an immensely astute Councillor who was unwavering in his commitment to provide good governance and outstanding services for residents. As a senior member of Rutland’s cabinet, Terry was a driving force behind the success of Oakham Enterprise Park, which has grown to become a thriving hub for local industries, as well as a key component of our local economy. Forthright and even-handed, Terry had a profoundly positive impact on Rutland over many years and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family.”

Helen Briggs, chief executive of Rutland County Council, said: “Terry King was an extremely dedicated public servant and will be missed by all who knew him. His time as a Councillor coincided with a period of huge change for Rutland, which celebrated two decades of independence last year. Terry King was instrumental in helping the County to reach this incredible milestone. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Flags outside Rutland County Council are to be flown at half-mast as mark of respect and a two-minute silence will be held ahead of public meetings.

During his time on the council, Mr King was the driving force behind the purchase of Ashwell Prison and its transofrmation into Oakham Enterprise Park. In tribute to his work, the council named the business hub at the former Rutland County College site in Barleythorpe The King Centre. Mr King was also a well-known businessman in the county.

Mr King’s family have asked for privacy at this time and will confirm public arrangements for people who wish to pay their respects in due course.

If you would like to pay tribute to Mr King, e-mail the newsdesk at: smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk