Deputy PM Nick Clegg leads tributes to SLDC leader Brendan Jameson

4:00pm Monday 19th March 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Steven Bell, Senior Reporter

South Lakeland District Council Brendan Jameson who died yesterday South Lakeland District Council Brendan Jameson who died yesterday

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has led tributes to South Lakeland District Council leader Brendan Jameson who died suddenly aged 66.

Coun Jameson, who was also a Cumbria County and Kendal Town councillor, is believed to have died in the early hours of this morning (Monday) after a heart attack.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said: “I met Brendan many times as leader of South Lakeland District Council. He was always a true fighter on behalf of his community, making sure they were heard by Government.

“The last time I was in Kendal I saw him at the opening of Chemotherapy Services at Westmorland General. He was so proud of another campaign success. Brendan and Tim were a formidable team – working together they did everything they could to make things better for people in South Lakeland.

“My thoughts are with his family today. He was a fantastic community champion and our party has not only lost a council leader but a true liberal and a great friend."

Lawrence Conway, SLDC chief executive, said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we have been informed of the passing away of South Lakeland District Council Leader Brendan Jameson.

"As an authority we wish to send our sincerest condolences to Cllr Jameson’s family and friends."

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale, said: "A leader and a window cleaner - everyone here knew that Brendan Jameson wasn't a politician, he was one of us. Brendan was born and bred in Kendal and besotted with Kendal.

“Brendan was the first ever Lib Dem to lead our District Council, the man who brought recycling to every home in South Lakeland and who ensured 500 new affordable homes were built for local families. He also fought like a tiger to make sure that we got the Olympic Torch and Olympic investment into South Lakeland."

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Mike Liptrot, head coach at Kendal Judo club, praised Cllr Jameson for the great work he did in South Lakeland. He said: "He has been very passionate about the Olympic Games.

"He was passionate about sport and brought the Olympic Games forward into the area. He was all about promotion of the town and other things as well.

"We have not always agreed but he was a good guy." Cllr Jameson, who was chair of the Cumbria steering group for the Olympic Games, was influential in bringing the Olympic Torch to the county.

Mr Liptrot added: "It is sad that he did not see it through to fruition."

He said it was a very sad time for everyone who knew Cllr Jameson.

Conservative Coun Tom Harvey said: "It really is very sad news - we were obviously of differing political parties but he worked tirelessly for all of South Lakeland.

"It takes your breath away that this has happened and I think all councillors and staff feel a bit hollow - it is such a shock."

Arrangements for Cllr Jameson’s funeral are yet to be arranged.

Please feel free to leave a tribute to Cllr Jameson below.

Comments(22)

Ben Berry says...
10:15am Mon 19 Mar 12

We didn't agree on much but Brendan did his best for South Lakes and worked very hard to that end.

A big shock to everyone.

Rest in peace Brendan, you'll be missed by all.

:'-(

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TomHarvey says...
10:38am Mon 19 Mar 12

Brendan worked passionately and tirelessly for all of South Lakes and will be sadly missed by us all.

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Steve Barber says...
10:53am Mon 19 Mar 12

What dreadful news. I spoke to Brendan on Friday and he was on good form, looking forward to a great year. He was a gentleman with a **** for life and very proud of his roots. My wife Caroline and I were very fond of him and will miss him greatly. Condolences too his family, friends and colleagues at SLDC

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Ellis Butcher says...
11:16am Mon 19 Mar 12

Terrible news. Brendan was Mr Kendal - an effervescent personality on SLDC and a fiercely vocal ambassador for the area around any table. Although from humble beginnings (not many window cleaners end up leading the council) he rarely let party politics get in the way of doing what he believed best for the area. I'll miss his 1000-watt smile, mahogany tan and super-charged enthusiasm. He always had a wisecrack in his pocket too and in the middle of the crises that come along in local authorities, he retained the ability to see the funny side of life - a credit to his family. He'd have loved to have seen that Olympic Torch in South Lakeland, let's hope part of the lap through this area is held in his honour. Thinking of his family x

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James Airey says...
11:17am Mon 19 Mar 12

I am shocked and stunned it was a pleasure working with a man that had such passion and enthusiasm. Brendan always put South Lakes first, I will miss him greatly as a friend and colleague

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Matt Severn says...
12:58pm Mon 19 Mar 12

In his enthusiasm, his passion, his commitment and his dedication he was a shining example to us all.
I will miss him terribly.

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lizallan says...
1:09pm Mon 19 Mar 12

What a shock !!!!! R.I.P Brendan you will be sadly missed x

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t.avery says...
1:46pm Mon 19 Mar 12

I can't believe this, it's all just too sad and shocking. I just don't have the words to express my sadness. Very upsetting, and my thoughts are with Brendan's family.

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Utter says...
2:42pm Mon 19 Mar 12

Very sad news. Brendan was Mr Kendal and he worked incredibly hard to further the town. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts with Julie, his children, family and his friends.

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nickjohn says...
5:27pm Mon 19 Mar 12

Is this the time that all the outspoken individuals who slated Mr Jameson for every move he made come out of the woodwork being very hypocritical... or is it me just being cynical.....

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James Airey says...
7:01pm Mon 19 Mar 12

Nickjohn I am afraid you are being cynical! There is a real difference between differing political views and respect for a very hardworking individual. Brendan and I had many Political clashes but it didn't stop us getting on or working together for the good of South Lakes.

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whiskeydelta says...
7:06pm Mon 19 Mar 12

Although not of the same political orientation of myself I am saddened by his death - he was always trying to win one over with his ready quips and sense of humour. I think nickjohn is being cynical - RIP. I remember him with his ladder & short shorts!!

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nickjohn says...
7:07pm Mon 19 Mar 12

James Airey wrote:
Nickjohn I am afraid you are being cynical! There is a real difference between differing political views and respect for a very hardworking individual. Brendan and I had many Political clashes but it didn't stop us getting on or working together for the good of South Lakes.
Point taken James, its just i see so many comments on this site "having a go" at certain individuals and who have little or no respect for them or their efforts yet come the time of a tragedy they say how sorry they are and it p****s me off...
I never new Brendan but I know his relatives well and it is a shame what has happened and quite a shock to all....

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Peter Thornton says...
8:17pm Mon 19 Mar 12

On holiday this week but stunned by the tragic news. Brendan was an inspirational leader who let his cabinet colleagues get on with their jobs and backed them to the hilt. We'll miss him terribly.

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Stuart53 says...
8:45pm Mon 19 Mar 12

Brendan was a force to be reckoned with. His death leaves a huge gap in South Lakes politics. He was irrepressable. He was just Brendan no matter who he was dealing with. In politics it was clear that he was speaking not just for himself or Lib Dems but for the people of Kendal who elected him. In local government it's all too easy to be ground down by the bureaucrats and numpties (both staff and councillors I'm afraid). Brendan was almost always upbeat; he kept us focused on how to improve local services for local people. He will be sorely missed.

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davidearnshaw says...
9:54am Tue 20 Mar 12

A sudden unexpected, and hard to believe, big and very sad loss to the community of Kendal and South Lakes, and so much for his family; Brendan was a true Kendalian --- he will be so very missed in his many roles in the area which produced so many positives ----- he lived life to the full, tirelessly serving his community ---- RIP Brendan

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jo stephenson says...
11:13am Tue 20 Mar 12

Brendan was my friend and a wonderful man. I'm so sad and shall miss him terribly.

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todhrocks@btinternet.com says...
10:56am Wed 21 Mar 12

Brendan was an expert on Kendal pub history, and published many articles in local journals on the subject. When I was Mayor I suggested that he should publish the articles in book form, and I would write an introduction. For various reasons it didn't happen which is a great pity, as it would have been a lasting and non political legacy.

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Sue Coulson says...
11:32am Wed 21 Mar 12

Brendan was truly wonderful. He was so passionate about everything he was involved with and I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him on several occasions so feel blessed for those opportunities. A real shock. RIP x

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endada says...
4:09pm Wed 21 Mar 12

I crossed political swords with Brendan on many occasions and we fell out many years ago, but afterwards he still made time to argue the toss with you if he was in the mood. I respect that his heart was in Kendal and South Lakes and that he worked tirelessly for the greater good of our community even if I disagreed with him most of the time. Your terrier-like personality will be sorely missed Brendan. Condolences to Brendan's family, friends and colleagues.

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Richard Foster says...
4:52pm Thu 22 Mar 12

It seems a cruel twist of fate that the sad news about Brendan came in the same week that details of the Olympic Torch celebrations and the GSK development in Ulverston were announced - both projects on which Bredan worked so hard. He was a passionate advocate for South Lakeland and the great things we do here and will be sadly missed.

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Kathy's says...
3:05pm Fri 23 Mar 12

I worked at SLDC when Mr Jameson became leader. He was a lovely person to work with - I know he will be sadly missed :-( My thoughts and prayers to his loved ones x

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