Civic leaders pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II

Civic leaders in Gloucestershire have paid their respects to the UK’s “greatest monarch” Queen Elizabeth II.

Gloucestershire County Council held a meeting dedicated to the late monarch today (September 14).

They pushed all other council business for the day to allow councillors to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who died last week at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and has been succeeded by King Charles III.

Councillors held two minutes’ silence in her memory at the meeting held at Quayside House in Gloucester today.

Chairman Alan Preest (C, Lydney) said: “On behalf of the people of Gloucestershire. This council expresses its profound sorrow at the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

“The Queen has been steadfast for seven decades providing leadership and service that has transcended political lines.

“Her Majesty’s commitment to her role and sense of duty serves as an example to us all.

“As the people of Gloucestershire mourn her passing. The council extends its heartfelt sympathy to his Majesty King Charles III and his family. God Save the King.”

Council leader Mark Hawthorne (C, Quedgeley), who put forward the motion of respect, said they had gathered to remember and recognise the extraordinary public service given by Queen Elizabeth II.

“She is mourned most deeply in her passing. I am sure that I am not alone in this chamber in being taken back by surprise by the depth of sorrow and personal loss I felt last Thursday as the news broke of the Queen’s passing.

“As former Prime Minister Boris Johnson reflected in his statement, she seemed so timeless, so wonderful that I am afraid we have come to believe like children she would just go on and on.”

Cllr Hawthorne said Queen Elizabeth II was the one person who could “bring us all together”.

She encapsulated a sense of national pride beyond politics, a sense of community beyond social divide and “a link with our history and a feeling of continuity in an ever changing world”, he added.

Liberal Democrat group leader Ben Evans (LD, Churchdown) seconded the proposal along with the leaders of the Labour and Green groups.

He said his group was fully behind the motion and offered their condolences to the Royal Family and everyone who loved The Queen.

He said he had huge respect for the way Queen Elizabeth II carried out her duty to the country.

“From an early age to the very week of her death she carried out that duty in a consistent, faithful and cheerful way.

“I have respect for all those people who share her sense of duty in this country, our armed forces, emergency services, nurses, unpaid carers, to name just a few.”

Labour group leader John Bloxsom (L, Rodborough) said Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable sovereign, the country’s greatest monarch.

“The death of our late Queen is a deep private loss for the Royal Family and our thoughts are with them at this time.

“This community of all faiths and identities and the nation shares in their grief.

“Queen Elizabeth II created a special relationship with many that she met. A relationship based on service and devotion to the country.

“The late Queen displayed her love for Britain and the British people gave that back in return.

“As we mourn her loss we should also treasure her life. Our longest serving and greatest ever monarch. She stood above the clashes of politics and in crisis she reassured us.

“God bless our late Queen. God save the King.”

Councillor Cate Cody (G, Tewkesbury) offered condolences on behalf of the Green Party.

She said she was a remarkable woman who worked tirelessly to serve her country.

“She was an inspiration to so many. Both at home and across the world. As possibly the most famous person on the planet, it is impossible to measure the positive influence she had in particular on so many women and girls.”

The council was unanimous in its respects for the late monarch.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk