We had a beautiful funeral today for Tony Turner MBE.

He was one of the most devoted elected public servants in the history of Lincolnshire, and certainly one of the longest serving. Tony was elected to Cleethorpes Borough Council, served on Humberside Council, and on Lincolnshire County Council, from which last role he stood down in 2021. He was even the youngest mayor of Cleethorpes ever when he ascended to that role in 1960.

Campaigning across his North Wolds ward, he was a valiant veteran of the doorstep and an asset to any doorknocking or pamphlet-delivering team. He was blessed with a boundless enthusiasm and a sense of good cheer that won him many friends from across any divide of party or issue.

I know our lives were certainly enriched by the experience and devotion which he dedicated to those around him, and his death is a loss for all Lincolnshire. If ever there was a model of service to our county, it was Tony Turner.