Death of former Milton Keynes councillor announced

Proud railway trade unionist and socialist Reg Edwards, who represented the Eaton Manor Ward in east Bletchley until 2014, died on Wednesday morning, councillors heard at a meeting later the same day (Feb 26).

After the meeting, Cllr Nigel Long (Lab, Bletchley West) said: “Reg Edwards was a big character with strong principles.

“He was a train driver and held a range of union positions. He was a formidable negotiator, and had a fantastic grasp of detail.

“On Milton Keynes Council he chaired the personnel committee and worked to deliver a unified pay and conditions structure for staff. He was a fine socialist and trade unionist as well as being down to earth and very good with people. He will be missed.”

Mr Edwards was first elected to Milton Keynes Council in 1988, losing in 1992 but he was re-elected in 1994. He resigned from MK Council in 2014 having chaired the budget scrutiny and the personnel committee.

But he also did so much more for the community, serving on the Lakes Estate Community Association, the East Bletchley Youth Community Group, the Royal British Legion the Postal Sports & Social Club, Bletchley Rail Club, the CIU Workingmen’s Club (Bletchley).

As well as his work for the Rail, Marine & Transport Union (RMT), he was a member of West Ham United FC.

After his retirement from the council, Mr Edwards was given a merit award for his service to the community by the local Labour Party.

As the news had been so recently announced, the mayor, Cllr Sam Crooks (Lib Dem, Broughton) said councillors would be invited to give their tributes at the next meeting of the full council in March.