Newcastle City Council has announced a by-election in North Jesmond following the resignation of a long-standing councillor with a political career spanning over 40 years.
A by-election in the ward of North Jesmond has been called after Cllr Gerry Keating has stood down on health grounds. Mr Keaton was first elected as a Tyne and Wear County councillor in 1981 representing Gosforth.
He was later elected to Newcastle City Council in 1986 to represent the people of Blakelaw ward until 2012. Gerry was re-elected to the local authority as a councillor for North Jesmond in a 2014 by-election, lost his seat the following year, but returned for the last time in 2018.
Colin Ferguson, the Liberal Democrat opposition leader of Newcastle City Council said: “We would like to thank Gerry for his huge contribution to public life in Newcastle stretching over 40 years. He has been a trusted advisor, wise counsel and indefatigable spirit on the council, committed to the wellbeing of the residents of Jesmond, where he has made a lasting impact.
“He will be greatly missed in the chamber by us all. We wish Gerry and his wife Lucy well for their next chapter in life.”
The former councillor was also a politics and Latin teacher at the Royal Grammar School for 33 years, as well as an athletics and cross-country coach.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, said: “Gerry’s record of public service has been outstanding. He has represented the people of this city diligently for more than 30 years making him one of our longest-serving councillors.
“His anecdotes and characteristic dry sense of humour will be missed on all sides of the political divide in the council chamber, and I wish him all the very best.”
According to the local authority, a notice of vacancy has been published on the council’s website and a by-election will be held within 35 working days.
