It is with great sadness that Plymouth Labour announces that Councillor Brian Vincent, who has been a councillor for Efford and Lipson for almost a quarter of a century, has died

“It’s hard to put into words just how sad I am that we’ve lost Brian,” said Cllr Tudor Evans OBE, leader of Plymouth Labour.

“He was a relentless campaigner for the people of Efford and Lipson and one of the most prolific caseworkers you could wish for. I’ve known Brian since he was a union organiser at Citybus and I know colleagues in Unite and at the depot will also be devastated at the news. 

“Personally, I’ll miss his incredible knowledge of wildlife, gardening and cooking. 

“I’ll miss the stories of his birdwatching holidays, dragging Pauline along to try some of the strangest foods on the planet!  

“He was instrumental in introducing bee corridors and wildlife meadows to the city for which he received national recognition. 

“Brian was a great guy who was hugely loved by his Plymouth Labour family and will be missed enormously.”

Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard said Brian, who died on Monday 17 April, would be “sorely missed”. 

“He was a first-class councillor and champion for Efford, Lipson, Laira and Deer Park,” said Luke.

“He knew his ward like the back of his hand and cared deeply about the people he represented.

“I met him on my first ever canvass for Plymouth Labour and over the years I learnt a lot about decency and hard work in politics from Brian.

“He was the very best of Plymouth.”

Brian, who was 73, was a bus driver and went on to become a Unite trade unionist. He was the Cabinet Member for the Environment and Sustainability on Plymouth City Council from 2012 to 2016.  

He was also Lord Mayor in 2008-9 as well as being a very proud and supportive consort to his partner, Councillor Pauline Murphy, when she was Lord Mayor.

“Between them Brian and Pauline would have met thousands of Plymothians and I know they will share in our sadness at this news today,” said Cllr Evans.