Alderman Barrie Taylor sadly passed away on Sunday 10th February 2024 after a long illness.
Barrie’s history of public service is both long and varied. He served as a Labour Councillor in Westminster from 1986-1990 for Bayswater and then from 1994-2018 for Queen’s Park. He was Deputy Leader of the Labour Group and Group Whip for many years. He also served as Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee from 2001 to 2004 and as chair of a Scrutiny Task Group on Health & Well Being. Upon his retirement from the Council he was made an Honorary Alderman in 2018.
Yet Barrie was so much more than this. A loyal friend, a wise mentor, a funny companion, champion of young people, and a terrifying driver. There are so many people who have Barrie to thank for giving them the confidence and support to fulfil their potential in public or community service. For many years he served as Chief Exec of the South West Herts Community Health Council before working for the Local Government Association Labour Group and as a Peer Reviewer for the LGA. A committed West Brom fan with a passion for local Government, public health and effective scrutiny.
His abundant legacy in Westminster also includes his enthusiasm for promoting the interests of young people, including Trees for Christmas, an annual not-for-profit project that involved local young people selling Christmas trees each December. Barrie was also the founder of the Paddington Festival, and active with many local charities including Paddington Arts and Paddington Farm.
Our thoughts are with his wife Karen (MP for Westminster North), son Cosmo, daughter Rebecca, son Zachary and all of his family at this difficult time.