Priti Patel MP with Rodney Bass OBE (right) at a local Christmas party last year. Host, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, looks on.
Priti pays tribute to legendary councillor
Witham MP Priti Patel has paid tribute to former County and District Councillor Rodney Bass OBE, who passed away on 14 July 2020. Rodney spent fifty years as an elected representative between 1967 and 2017; and held many roles including, Chairman of Maldon District Council, Chairman of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation at Essex County Council. Rodney also served as Chairman of the Essex Pension Fund. Upon retiring from Essex County Council in 2017, Rodney was awarded an OBE in the subsequent Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service to local government. Rodney also had a successful career working in finance.
Priti said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Rodney’s wife, Margaret, and his entire family at this time.”
“Rodney was a local legend who combined a successful career in finance with half a century of committed and devoted service to local government. Communities across this part of Essex have benefited enormously from the tireless work and campaigning he undertook on their behalf. I worked closely with Rodney over many years on local issues and matters affecting the whole County and he always put the interests of our residents first. His determination to get things done and make a difference was inspirational and his work on improving the local highways network, developing plans for the County’s strategic roads and his support for local good causes will be remembered for many years to come.”
“It has been a great privilege to know Rodney and I will always be grateful for the support and advice he has given me. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”