Tributes have been paid after a long-serving councillor, who dedicated more than 30 years of his life to representing Crawley, has died at the age of 57.
Friends and colleagues of Richard Burrett said that they were devastated by his loss, with online tributes describing him as “a committed and diligent councillor”, “a lovely man”, a “true gentleman” and “a good egg”.
Mr Burrett was first elected to Crawley Borough Council in 1992, representing Pound Hill North for the Conservatives until 2023.
He represented Pound Hill on West Sussex County Council from 2009 until the local elections in May.
Uniquely, he is the only councillor to have been deputy leader of both the county and borough councils.
Conservative councillor Duncan Crow, who represents Furnace Greed, said: “My colleagues and I are devastated at the loss of Richard Burrett. It has come as a huge shock to us and we will miss him terribly.
“For over 30 years, Richard has been a central figure in Crawley public life, making a huge contribution at both Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council.
“He will be missed by so many people and it has been heartening to see the many nice tributes being made about him.”
Mr Burrett, who was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Crawley in 2024, was liked and respected by councillors from all parties.
The Labour leader of the borough council, Michael Jones, said: “Richard devoted more than three decades of his life to public service, representing the people of Crawley and later West Sussex with dedication and competence.”
Councillor Jones added: “His appointment as a Freeman of the Borough in 2024 was a fitting recognition of his contribution to Crawley. Many will mourn his passing.”
There were tributes from Donna Johnson, chair of the county council, and Paul Marshall, leader of the Conservative group.
Councillor Johnson said that she was shocked and saddened by the news of Richard’s death, adding: “Richard was a hard-working, much-loved member of West Sussex County Council and his efforts for the residents of West Sussex were respected across the chamber.”
Councillor Marshall said: “Richard was a diligent councillor who had an excellent eye for detail. He played a leading part in the Conservative group as well as working in several senior roles on the county council. He will be greatly missed.”
