East Suffolk Council
A tribute to former Waveney MP and Council Leader, Bob Blizzard
East Suffolk Council is saddened by the news that former Waveney MP and Council Leader Bob Blizzard has passed away.
Bob was the Leader of Waveney District Council, a predecessor authority to East Suffolk, from 1991 until 1997, having been elected to the authority in 1987. He then became MP for the Waveney Constituency in 1997, serving on the Environmental Audit Select Committee for two years and as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to various Government Ministers. He was also a Lords Commissioner whip in the Treasury from 2008 to 2010.
He remained an MP until 2010 and retired from political life following the 2015 General Election.
Cllr Craig Rivett, Deputy Leader of East Suffolk Council and former Waveney Cabinet Member, said:
"Bob was a hugely important figure in both local and national politics and we are saddened to learn of his passing. He was a dedicated public servant who worked hard for the people of Waveney both during his time as the Council's Leader and as a constituency MP. The thoughts of everyone at East Suffolk Council are with his family and those close to him."
Cllr Peter Byatt Labour Group Leader at East Suffolk Council and also a former Waveney Councillor said:
"On behalf of the Labour Group, I extend our sincere condolences to Bob’s family on their sad loss. Bob was an inspiration to all who knew him – many of us were encouraged to take up politics because of his influence, myself included. His commitment to the Lowestoft and Waveney area as our MP was outstanding – he never lost the common touch, always remembering names and faces and taking a genuine interest in people. It was a privilege to know him."