Tributes paid to “dedicated and passionate” West Lindsey councillor

Conservative leaders have been paying tribute to a Lincolnshire County Councillor and West Lindsey District Councillor who sadly died last week.

Councillor Charles Lewis Strange passed away at Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham on Thursday following a short illness.

Gainsborough Conservatives have released a video in tribute to the councillor who was first elected to WLDC in 1999 and LCC in 2001.

The association described him as “a dedicated, passionate and long-serving County and District Councillor and will be sorely missed.

“Lewis was a farmer by trade, with the Lincolnshire Wolds always immensely close to his heart, he had an intense desire to represent the needs of rural people at both the Guildhall in Gainsborough and County Hall in Lincoln,” they said.

He represented the Kelsey Wold Ward at district level and Market Rasen Wolds at county.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council Giles McNeill said: “Lewis was one of the first people I got to know when I joined the local party 15 years ago.

“Always a regular at party events, perhaps talking about cricket, the Wolds, politics or farming, he was a true gentleman and I know he will be sorely missed.”

Councillor Charles Lewis Strange. Photo: Twitter/@ConservGains

Sir Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough, said he had been “deeply saddened” and described Councillor Strange as a “wonderful man”.

“The very best of Lincolnshire; kind and dedicated. As straight as an arrow and always ready with honest, sound advice,” he said.

“A superb councillor. Greatly loved and missed.”

Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I’m very sorry to hear the sad news about Lewis Strange. He was a highly respected and popular councillor.

“As a local man with long-standing roots in the county, he was a passionate advocate for Lincolnshire and rural life in particular in its many aspects.

“He played an important part in developing the county council in various roles and his gentlemanly charm and common sense will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”