This month’s full council meeting was tinged with sadness after the recent death of Caerau councillor and former cabinet member, Phil White, from Covid-19.
“Passionate about his community”
You can watch the webcast here. The tributes take up the first 25 minutes or so.
A visibly upset Mayor, Cllr. John Spanswick (Lab, Brackla), said “words couldn’t say enough” and passed his condolences to Phil White’s family on the council’s behalf. A virtual two-minute silence was then held.
Council Leader, Cllr. Huw David (Lab, Cefn Cribwr), said Phil White was passionate about his community long before becoming a councillor. He also has played a significant part in Wales’ industrial history through his key role in the employee buy-out of Tower Colliery – the first mine in UK history to be run by its workers and run successfully.
He went on to say that Phil White was an enthusiastic champion for older people and children and was described by Nantyfyllon Primary School – where he was a governor – as being a “hugely loyal friend”.
Having always offered fantastic support to colleagues and staff, he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked alongside him.
Deputy Leader, Cllr. Hywel Williams (Lab, Blackmill), said Phil White was a “glass-half-full person” and a master of one-line quips.
Cabinet Member for Education & Regeneration, Cllr. Charles Smith (Lab, Llangewydd & Brynhyfryd), said it was an “honour and privilege” to have been Phil’s friend and colleague having heard of him during the 1984-85 Miner Strike and subsequently becoming something of a hero for his work at Tower Colliery.
“Epitome of a local councillor”
Former Cabinet colleague, Cllr. Richard Young (Lab, Pendre) described Phil as “the epitome of a local councillor” who always respected everyone’s viewpoint even if he disagreed with it and maintained a sense of humour despite his health issues.
Labour backbenchers shared memories going back to their youth, with several mentioning Phil White’s enthusiasm for playing the ukelele and friendliness towards everyone in his patch.
Politics was put to one side and the opposition paid tributes too.
Cllr. Altaf Hussain (Con, Penyfai) said Phil White ended up becoming a mentor. Cllr. Matthew Voisey (Con, Oldcastle) added that despite political differences he found Phil White to be a perfect gentleman outside of the council.
On behalf of the Independent Alliance, Cllr. Alex Williams (Ind, Penprysg), only knew Phil White a short time but echoed what others said about his courtesy towards colleagues.
Cllr. James Radcliffe (Plaid, Aberkenfig) noted that the kindness to which Phil White spoke to him after he was elected was a measure of the man.
