Farewell to Tony

27 November 2009

Tributes have been paid to an influential local politician and community figure who has died after a short battle with cancer.

Former Harold Hill councillor Tony Hunt served on Havering Council from 1990 to 1998 and was one of the "gang of four" which split from the majority Labour group in 1997 to form the Socialist group.

The fracture brought the Labour leadership to its knees and caused it to lose control of Havering Council.

Tony, who had already survived a bout of Legionnaire's Disease several years ago, passed away on Wednesday, November 11.

Mourners turned out to offer their last respects to during his funeral last Friday.

Many were forced to stand outside Corbets Tey Crematorium as the huge congregation overwhelmed the large chapel.

Fellow Socialist Group member Mike Davis said: "Whatever heading he sat under in the council chamber, it never changed his attitude to his work for the electorate of Hilldene ward in Harold Hill.

"His wit and good humour will be much missed by all who knew him."

Former council leader Arthur Latham, 79, of Cotleigh Road, Romford, also fondly remembered his political adversary's sharp wit.

Mr Latham, whose period as head of the Labour group was brought to an end by the socialist group's breakaway, said: "He always had a very quick comeback and could think on his feet. I remember being in the receiving end of Tony's wit. He contributed a lot in his time and will be missed."

During the service the coffin of the former corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corporal entered to the sounds of Glory Glory Hallelujah.

The final tune played for Spurs' fan Tony was Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from the 1980 Monty Python feature film Life Of Brian.