It’s with deep sadness the Adur Labour Group has to announce that Councillor Les Alden passed away at 11pm  on 8th January 2020.

Les has been a solid comrade and mentor in the party since he came down from London and it’s no exaggeration he’s been chiefly responsible for the fantastic campaigning that has won us 8 seats on this council.  As leader of the opposition, Les made the case for the causes that we believe in. His great passion was arguing persistently for social housing. Never one to shirk a confrontation he livened up the meetings and has been a credit to Adur District Council.

He had previously sat on Southwark Council from 1971 until 1994, holding the positions of chair of social services, chief whip and deputy leader. He was awarded an MBE in 2015 for his services to the Southwark community.

Away from politics, Les worked as a chemist for South Eastern Gas, before moving into management services and on to London Council’s computer department.

Group leader Cllr Lee Cowen said, “I’m distraught on hearing this sad news. Firstly, I’d like to extend my best wishes to Pat and the family. Les was someone who passionately believed in Labour Party values, like no one I’ve ever met before. Socialism was in his core and he dedicated his life to public service. On a personal level he was my mentor and someone who believed in me. I will miss him greatly. Rest in peace my friend.”

Deputy leader Cllr Debs Stainforth said, “Les is such an enormous loss to us, as a friend and a mentor. He was incredibly knowledgeable, with a passion for social justice and a wicked sense of humour. He taught us all so much and was so impactful on the community in the four years since he and Pat moved from Southwark”.

Cllr Catherine Arnold said “My sincere best wishes and love goes to Pat Alden and Les’s family & friends. Les has offered clear guidance and expertise to the Adur Labour Party since I’ve known him. He helped me gain my councillor confidence. I will miss my dear friend deeply. “