Tribute paid to Councillor Tom Graham
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our long‑serving councillors.
Councillor Tom Graham, 82, who served the Windy Nook and Whitehills ward since he was elected onto the council in 2004, has sadly died following a period of ill health.
Before entering public service, Councillor Graham worked as a civil servant, insurance agent and sea‑going engineer. He also dedicated many years to education through his long‑standing service as Chair of Governors at Cardinal Hume RC School.
Throughout his time on the Council, Tom made an enormous contribution through a range of key roles, including serving as Vice Chair of Place OSC (2011-2012), Vice Chair of Sustainable Communities Place (2012-2014), Vice Chair of Communities and Place OSC (2014-2021), Vice Chair of Community Safety Sub (2014-2019), and Vice Chair of Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities OSC (2021-2024).
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of the Council, said: ''We are heartbroken to hear of Tommy's passing. Throughout his many years on the Council, he earned the deep respect and trust of colleagues, taking on a wide range of Vice Chair roles that reflected his steady leadership, fairness and unwavering commitment to our communities.
"Tommy was reliable, thoughtful and hard‑working - someone who always listened carefully and worked tirelessly to improve the day‑to‑day lives of Gateshead residents. His dedication across so many areas, from community safety to housing, the environment and place‑shaping, showed just how much he cared about the people of Gateshead. He made a profound difference, and he will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with Tommy's family at this very difficult time."
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our long‑serving councillors.
Councillor Tom Graham, 82, who served the Windy Nook and Whitehills ward since he was elected onto the council in 2004, has sadly died following a period of ill health.
Before entering public service, Councillor Graham worked as a civil servant, insurance agent and sea‑going engineer. He also dedicated many years to education through his long‑standing service as Chair of Governors at Cardinal Hume RC School.
Throughout his time on the Council, Tom made an enormous contribution through a range of key roles, including serving as Vice Chair of Place OSC (2011-2012), Vice Chair of Sustainable Communities Place (2012-2014), Vice Chair of Communities and Place OSC (2014-2021), Vice Chair of Community Safety Sub (2014-2019), and Vice Chair of Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities OSC (2021-2024).
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of the Council, said: ''We are heartbroken to hear of Tommy's passing. Throughout his many years on the Council, he earned the deep respect and trust of colleagues, taking on a wide range of Vice Chair roles that reflected his steady leadership, fairness and unwavering commitment to our communities.
"Tommy was reliable, thoughtful and hard‑working - someone who always listened carefully and worked tirelessly to improve the day‑to‑day lives of Gateshead residents. His dedication across so many areas, from community safety to housing, the environment and place‑shaping, showed just how much he cared about the people of Gateshead. He made a profound difference, and he will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with Tommy's family at this very difficult time."
