COUNTY council Chairman Alan Preest praised Her Majesty The Queen for her “steadfast” leadership which transended politcal lines at a meeting dedicated to her memory last week.
Gloucestershire County Council pushed all other business for the day last Wednesday (September 14) to allow councillors to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Two minutes silence were held before the meeting at Quayside House in Gloucester.
County Chair Alan Preest (C, Lydney), who is also a Lydney Town and Forest of Dean District councillor, told the meeting: “On behalf of the people of Gloucestershire. This council expresses its profound sorrow at the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
“The Queen has been steadfast for seven decades providing leadership and service that has transcended political lines.
“Her Majesty’s commitment to her role and sense of duty serves as an example to us all.
“As the people of Gloucestershire mourn her passing. The council extends its heartfelt sympathy to his Majesty King Charles III and his family. God Save the King.”
Council leader Mark Hawthorne (C, Quedgeley), who put forward the motion of respect, said they had gathered to remember and recognise the extraordinary public service given by Queen Elizabeth II.
“She is mourned most deeply in her passing. I am sure that I am not alone in this chamber in being taken back by surprise by the depth of sorrow and personal loss I felt last Thursday as the news broke of the Queen’s passing.
“As former Prime Minister Borish Johnson reflected in his statement, she seemed so timeless, so wonderful that I am afraid we have come to believe like children she would just go on and on.”
Cllr Hawthorne said Queen Elizabeth II was the one person who could “bring us all together”.
“She encapsulated a sense of national pride beyond politics, a sense of community beyond social divide and “a link with our history and a feeling of continuity in an ever changing world”, he added.