Tributes to former council leader who led from the front

A DEDICATED and forthright public servant, friend and mentor who was "always prepared to champion causes he believed in," has died.

- By CHRIS CAULFIELD Local democracy reporter

John Furey, born in 1944, was a stalwart of Runnymede having served the community of Addlestone for a quarter of a century, first as a borough councillor and then later as a county member as well.

Mr Furey was elected on to Runnymede in 2000 with colleagues describing him as someone who gave “endless time to the community”. He would go on to hold the role as leader of the borough between 2006 and 2011, as well as deputy leader of Surrey County Council in 2017/18.

His death following a long battle with illness this week has left its mark on the community. Councillor Marissa Heath, who worked alongside Mr Furey at both borough and county level, said: “I joined Runnymede Borough Council in 2003 and John was there already. What I saw over 20 years was a man who gave endless time to the community.