Mansfield District Council is saddened by the death of Councillor Brian Lohan, 61, who passed away unexpectedly on 24 December 2022.
In February 2010, Councillor Lohan was elected to represent the Portland ward in a by-election and then went on to be elected for three terms to represent Portland constituents.
Councillor Lohan had served his community for decades and was an active member of the council and the Mansfield Labour Group. He was Vice Chair of the council from 2011 to 2012 and then went on to be appointed as Chairman in 2012. Upon becoming Chairman, he was presented with a Past Chair’s Medal by the former Elected Mayor, Tony Egginton, in May 2013, when he said that the council had bestowed upon him a great honour. Also, as chair, Councillor Lohan attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
During his terms of the election, Councillor Lohan worked hard in his community and was an active and dedicated member for his residents.
Andy Abrahams, Leader of the Labour Party and Elected Mayor, said: “The shock of Brian passing away is still palpable. Only a few days ago, he was on top form singing the praises of Mansfield folk and the many contributors to the Civic Carol Service at St Peters and St Pauls.
“There have been so many tributes pouring into this kind, generous man, it is too difficult to capture them all. For me, Brian was a loyal supporter, dedicated to improving the lives of those in need, a fierce fighter for Mansfield but always so caring. He will be sorely missed.”
Councillor Brian Lohan was also a trustee of the Brunts Charity, an organisation which promotes independent living within a safeguarding environment for residents in the district. He also represented the council on several external bodies, including the Allotment Trustees, Queen Elizabeth’s Trust, Mansfield Education Foundation, the National Association for British Market Authorities and the Heilegenhaus Twinning Association.
Councillor Paul Henshaw, Chair of Mansfield Constituency Labour Party, said: “I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Councillor Brian Lohan. Brian was a hardworking, passionate councillor who worked for all his residents. He was also a proud ex-miner and solid NUM member. He loved Mansfield and always said he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
“On a personal note, I have known Brian since he was a member of the 6th Mansfield Boy’s Brigade – an organisation he generously supported. The Labour movement has lost an activist and stalwart member. It has been an honour to be Brian’s friend and comrade.”
Councillor Lohan had considerable experience and working knowledge of many of the council’s committees, including the Planning Applications Committee and all of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees during his time. He was also elected as Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, JCC, Health and Safety and Polling Places Review Committee, and various Vice-Chairs. He was Chair of the Polling Places Review Committee during the recent electoral review. He was also an active member of the Budget Working Group when it scrutinised the executive’s draft budget proposals.
Councillor John Coxhead, Secretary of the Mansfield Labour Group, added: “Brian was a truly genuine and honest councillor working day in and day out for the residents of the Portland ward. His commitment to Mansfield District Council was no less than 100 percent, and he carried out his role as councillor and chair of the council with duty and pride. He will be missed.”
Funeral details are expected to be announced in due course.
