Gerry Southgate – Leader who could bring rivals together

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Islington councillor and Town Hall leader Gerry Southgate, who died earlier this month aged 81. 

Another former council leader, Derek Sawyer described his ex-colleague as a “diplomat who could bridge deep divisions”, while former Labour councillor David Hyams said Mr Southgate was a “gentleman”.

Mr Southgate led the then Labour council for 10 years between 1971 and 1981 before defecting to the newly formed Social Democratic Party.

“He was an approachable person,” said Mr Sawyer. “He was dedicated to doing his best for Islington.

“When I was leader of the council I did chat with him about it, and his advice was very helpful. I tried to help him with the planning department, which was causing him problems. We used to talk about how Islington had changed, and how at the same time it hadn’t changed. He was someone where you listened to what he said. He didn't bear any grudges or anything like that.”

Mr Southgate also represented Clerkenwell ward, where he lived, before later moving to ­Widdenham Road in Holloway, and twice stood for Parliament. He worked as office manager at Bindmans solicitors in King’s Cross. 

Towards the end of his life Mr Southgate lived in Highgate Nursing Home in Hornsey Lane, Archway, after battling ill health for around three years. 
PAVAN AMARA
Published: 22 July, 2011