Somerset County Council will be flying the flag outside County Hall at half mast today to mark the funeral of former Chair Nigel Taylor.

Cllr Taylor, who died last month, was elected as the County Councillor for Cheddar in 2017 and served 4 years as Chair of Council (2018-2022), as well as being a longstanding member of the Regulation Committee. He also served as a Mendip District Councillor for 8 years including time as Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services.

Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, paid tribute. He said: “We were all deeply saddened by the news about Cllr Taylor who cared greatly for his community and did so much for public services in Somerset.

“As Chair of the Council he was well regarded by fellow councillors on all sides, and staff remember him fondly for his kindness and good humour, highlighted each Christmas when he would dress up as Santa and hand deliver chocolates as a thank you.

“On behalf of the County Council, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “Whether it was in his Royal Protection duties, as an internationally renowned explosives expert, for his cave rescue work or as Chair of the County Council, Nigel Taylor was a man of many talents and endless ability but always humble in his achievements.

“His humour, his civility and his love of people endeared him to those he met. Throughout his varied career he truly believed in public service and the contribution that he could make to improving people’s lives.

“Nigel will be missed by those whose lives he touched, he leaves each and everyone of us richer for having known him.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email pressoffice@somerset.gov.uk.