Cllr Mike Lewis – Castle Cary

It was with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of Cllr Mike Lewis. Mike was a County Councillor from 2013 until the creation of Somerset Council. He was Chair of both the Audit Committee and Joint Waste Scrutiny Panel, as well as being a member of several other committees.
In addition, he had been a District Councillor of South Somerset District Council for the Camelot Ward since 2002. Mike was a good friend of The Leveller, unafraid to “tell it how it is” without any political slant. He was one of those councillors that worked hard for his community out of a genuine belief that he was there to serve. Our thoughts go out to his family.
Cllr Lewis was a qualified youth worker who had lived in Queen Camel with his wife Pauline and their family for over 30 years.
Conservative Leader, Councillor David Fothergill, commented: “This is absolutely dreadful news. Mike was a genuinely nice person who gained the respect and trust of colleagues from all political parties. He worked tirelessly for his communities, supported local parish councils, organisations and charities and was seen as a mentor by many. He will be very sadly missed by all whose lives he touched. My thoughts are with his wife Pauline, their family, and many friends.”
Councillor Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, added: “Mike was well liked and respected member of Somerset Council (and previously the District and County Councils). A real gentleman, a hard-working councillor for his community, and we are deeply shocked and saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
He will be missed.
Flags in council buildings will be flown at half-mast on the day of the next council meeting and on the day of Cllr Lewis’s funeral.
He really was one of a few genuinely open pleasant county councillors. Just thinking of him makes me smile.