By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 12:50, Monday, 25 February 2013

Labour politician Hugh Little has died. The former mayor, war veteran and ex-leader of both Carlisle City and Cumbria County councils passed away at Eden Valley Hospice yesterday.

Hugh Little

A lifelong Labour Party member, Mr Little began his political career in 1959 and retired in 1989, after serving for a year as chairman of Cumbria council.

Mr Little, who was in his late 80s, and his sister Mary Styth are the only brother and sister to have been mayors of Carlisle.

He was awarded the OBE and given the freedom of the city in honour of his services to local government. In 1987 he was honoured with a street named after him – Hugh Little Garth in Upperby

The 30 years of dedication were decades well spent according to Mr Little, who had said: “I loved it.”

Paying tribute to him, Labour party activist Kevin Parker said: “Every now and again a city produces a real giant, someone who is the absolute best in their vocation or chosen profession. Carlisle’s giant was Hughie Little.

“Hughie’s talent, commitment and leadership in local government have not been seen before or since.

“He was a great ambassador but it came easy to him because he was so proud of his home city and its people.”

He added: “You’d need a million words to sum up how great a man Hughie was, but ‘Labour giant’ would be a very good start.”

First published at 12:49, Monday, 25 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk