Politicians share fond memories as they pay tribute to late Sheffield councillor
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Coun Rippon, aged 77, had served the city for almost 20 years, representing both Shiregreen and Richmond wards. He passed away at Christmas following a short illness.
He served as the 118th Lord Mayor of Sheffield and had been co-chair of the planning committee for the last five years.
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Hide AdCouncillors from all parties fondly remembered Coun Rippon at a full council meeting. His Labour colleague Coun Sioned-Mair Richards described him as a lovely man and spoke of their “deep friendship”.
“When I was first elected in 2012 I inherited the two Peters – Pete Price the elder and Pete Rippon the younger.
“The pair of us used to call Peter Price “dad” which was Peter Rippon’s mischievous sense of humour. Being with them was like being in my own episode of Last of the Summer Wine as they bickered together, got on really well, and were so welcoming to a very junior councillor – or the apprentice as they both called me.”
Liberal Democrat Leader Coun Shaffaq Mohammed said Coun Rippon had been “great fun”.
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Hide Ad“He could be firm with us as chairman and put us in order but Pete was fantastic. We’re not going to be able to go to the funeral as numbers are limited with Covid restrictions but please take the message that all 84 councillors have Pete in our hearts and we will be wishing the family our best at this very difficult time.”
Coun Andrew Sanger, who served with Coun Rippon on the planning board, said he was a huge loss to the council.
“Peter was so much fun but also such a gentleman, a lovely guy. I can’t quite believe he is not going to be there. He was very fair and he fought for what he thought was right, particularly affordable housing. I am going to miss him.”
And Coun Penny Baker said: “Peter was an absolutely true gentleman, a remarkable man who considered everybody else before himself. He was fantastic.”