Tributes paid to Gateshead alderman and former long serving councillor
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Gateshead alderman Peter Mole. Peter was formerly Gateshead's longest serving councillor and was Mayor of Gateshead from 1986 - 87.
Peter served as a councillor for 42 years, representing the Wrekendyke ward between 1976 and 1982 and then the Wardley & Leam Lane ward from 1982 until 2018 when he stepped down as councillor.
He was nominated for the Freedom of Gateshead for his service to local government, locally, regionally and nationally.
During his time on the Council, he undertook various roles including Mayor and he was a cabinet member between 2002 and 2015, holding six different portfolios during this time. He was also the Council's champion for older people.
For many years Peter was the General Secretary of the National Association of Councillors, which represents Elected Members in all types of local authorities. and he was involved in many high-profile campaigns. He led a campaign for legislative change that would require people owning air guns to hold a licence and this resulted in the legal age for buying air guns being increased from 14 to 18.
In 2006 Peter was awarded an MBE for services to local government.
Leader of the Council Martin Gannon said:
"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Peter's passing. The passion and commitment Peter devoted to local government never diminished which is an incredible achievement over such a long period of time.
To be awarded the Freedom of the Borough is rare but this honour was well deserved for Peter as he made a huge contribution to our borough serving local people for over four decades.
Our thoughts are with Peter's family at this sad time."
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Gateshead alderman Peter Mole. Peter was formerly Gateshead's longest serving councillor and was Mayor of Gateshead from 1986 - 87.
Peter served as a councillor for 42 years, representing the Wrekendyke ward between 1976 and 1982 and then the Wardley & Leam Lane ward from 1982 until 2018 when he stepped down as councillor.
He was nominated for the Freedom of Gateshead for his service to local government, locally, regionally and nationally.
During his time on the Council, he undertook various roles including Mayor and he was a cabinet member between 2002 and 2015, holding six different portfolios during this time. He was also the Council's champion for older people.
For many years Peter was the General Secretary of the National Association of Councillors, which represents Elected Members in all types of local authorities. and he was involved in many high-profile campaigns. He led a campaign for legislative change that would require people owning air guns to hold a licence and this resulted in the legal age for buying air guns being increased from 14 to 18.
In 2006 Peter was awarded an MBE for services to local government.
Leader of the Council Martin Gannon said:
"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Peter's passing. The passion and commitment Peter devoted to local government never diminished which is an incredible achievement over such a long period of time.
To be awarded the Freedom of the Borough is rare but this honour was well deserved for Peter as he made a huge contribution to our borough serving local people for over four decades.
Our thoughts are with Peter's family at this sad time."
