Paul Moxon

I was very sad to hear today that one of my Labour predecessors as a Headingley Councillor, Paul Moxon, has died. Paul was a Local GP for over 20 Years, a local resident for a good while and a decent Councillor. I didn't know him well but three things always struck me as a measure of the man. Firstly when he lost his seat and clearly wasn't trying to get it back he kept on loads of unpaid and unglamourous roles in the community. Secondly he attracted the ultimate accolade in Local Politics, the personal vote. This doesn't happen without hard work. I met many supporters of other parties who would say "But I'll be voting for Paul". Thirdly his name Lingered on after he left. Its hard enough to get people's attention when you are there in politics. If they mention you affectionately after you've gone then you got something right. Politics is a rough old trade but its worth reflecting for a moment when someone like Paul goes that most of us just try to do our best.