Tributes pour in for Harlow councillor Danny Purton

Councillor Danny Purton, a Labour councillor for the Mark Hall Ward, passed away on the night of Friday, April 30 following a short illness.

Mr Purton was the council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment and was first elected as a councillor for Mark Hall in February 2015 and was re-elected in May 2018.

“We were all saddened to hear the news that Councillor Purton had passed away,” said Brian Keane, chief executive of the council.

“We will all miss Danny’s experience and knowledge and his commitment to making Harlow a better place to live. As cabinet portfolio holder for environment Danny led on many high-profile projects including Harlow’s local development plan which was adopted in December last year.

“He was passionate about his town and its future and during his time serving as councillor and when he worked as a council officer he made a significant contribution to Harlow.

“On behalf of the whole council I would like to express my sympathy and deepest condolences to Danny’s family, his colleagues and friends and to all those who knew him.”

Before becoming a councillor Mr Purton was a senior manager at the council and was head of its design and engineering services.

Harlow Common councillor Emma Toal said: “I’m really sad that we’ve lost a big part of the Harlow Labour family, Cllr Danny Purton.

“Danny dedicated his life to improving Harlow, from his time as an officer of Harlow Council to serving as a councillor and cabinet member.”

Laura McAlpine, a previous Labour candidate for MP of Harlow, added: “Going to miss my friend Danny Purton. Danny was strong and principled, an unswerving supporter of socialism. He fought ferociously for the people of Harlow and we will all be the lesser for his passing. RIP comrade.”

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