Tribute to Councillor Paul Fishwick

From Stephen Conway, Leader, Wokingham Borough Liberal Democrats

It with great sadness that I have to report that Paul Fishwick, Wokingham Borough Councillor for Winnersh and executive member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, passed away on Wednesday after a short illness.

Paul was respected across the political divide for his expertise as a former highways officer; he had a truly encyclopaedic knowledge of the borough’s highways network and a real commitment to active travel and public transport. The way in which he answered questions at full council – always polite and courteous, always well informed – won the admiration even of political opponents.

I know his officer colleagues, especially in highways, but across the council, are deeply affected by the news of Paul’s passing. He always behaved impeccably in his dealings with everyone – officers, fellow councillors, and residents.

His colleagues on the executive and the wider Liberal Democrat group feel especially saddened; we have lost a friend as well as a valued colleague.
The biggest blow is of course to his family. On behalf of local Liberal Democrats, I have sent our deepest condolences to Paul’s wife Lesley and their children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.