On 14th February 2019, Gravesham Conservatives were heartbroken to learn of the passing of Peter Hart (Second from left in the photograph).
Peter had a distinguished career in local government serving on Kent County Council between 1977 and 1981 and as a Gravesham Borough Councillor between 1983 and 1991. In 1988 Peter became Mayor of Gravesham.
Peter was a Vice President of Gravesham Conservatives and in 2015 he was made an Hon. President of Gravesend Conservative Future (Young Conservatives) – an accolade which he described as one of his proudest moments.
Peter will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A tireless campaigner, an encourager for candidates old and new and a devoted servant of the Conservative cause.
Cllr. Jordan Meade Deputy Chairman of Gravesham Conservatives said:
"On behalf of Gravesham Conservative Association, I offer my sincerest condolences to Peter’s wife Sylvia, his family and friends at this difficult time.
Peter was a champion of the Gravesham Community. Despite his solid political convictions, Peter gained respect from across the political divide and he will be remembered for his tireless commitment to civic life in Gravesham.
Peter will be missed by many, not only for his commitment and dedication to public life, but for his immeasurable friendship, his willingness to mentor young people and his unwavering love for his party.
This year would have marked Peter’s 60th year as a grassroots campaigner for the Conservative Party and just last week he was thrilled to receive a letter from the National Chairman, The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP, thanking him for a lifetime of service to the Conservative cause.
In losing Peter, Gravesham has lost a true gentleman. Peter had a big heart and a passion for this borough that will go on to inspire many in the years to come. "
Adam Holloway MP said:
Peter Hart? What to say? An extraordinary character of a man: public servant – Borough and County Councillor, twice Mayor including when the Council was split 50/50 and he had the casting vote. Servant of democracy – your ultimate Political party activist in a good way: he really believed in Conservative values, not to promote himself but because he believed they would deliver the best lives for people living here that he served. Never happier than on a pavement with a clipboard directing people like me to knock on the doors of unsuspecting Constituents as his hurricane-speed campaign team blow through. A truly Splendid Englishman, husband, father, Grandfather and Conservative public servant.”
Jacob Hatch, Chairman of Gravesham Young Conservatives said:
Peter was the first person you'd meet at Gravesham Conservatives, and he was always the happiest and friendliest person you'd meet. Without Peter, I would never have been involved in the party. He was a fantastic friend and the best mentor for whom one could ask. He also had encyclopaedic knowledge of politics and elections, if Peter didn't know something about politics then it wasn't worth knowing. He was a great campaigner for the youth within the party and encouraged many young members to get involved and stand. He was the most dedicated campaigner, and this year was the 60th year he was involved in the party. We will miss his knowledge, his humour, his friendliness, but most of all we will miss our friend.
