Tributes have been flooding in for a courageous Nottinghamshire councillor who passed away just days after attending his final meeting while fighting cancer.
Councillor Roger Jackson, who represented both Nottinghamshire County Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council, passed away at his residence on Thursday July 30 aged 70 after what has been described as a long and courageous fight against cancer.
Fellow councillors have revealed that Jackson had still joined a council meeting remotely earlier that week despite his serious condition, with sources describing this as a testament to his incredible dedication and commitment to his communities right to the very end.
The veteran Conservative politician was first elected to Nottinghamshire County Council in 2013 and to Newark and Sherwood District Council in 2003, following in the footsteps of his father Frank Jackson on the latter authority.
Among Jackson’s notable accomplishments across more than two decades of public service were raising £27,000 for the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre and helping to secure a £26 million flood protection scheme in Lowdham.
Councillor Jack Kellas, who leads the Conservative group at Newark and Sherwood District Council, paid tribute to Jackson, noting that he devoted considerable time and effort to serving his communities, following his father’s path into local government. He continued supporting his parishes throughout his illness and served as an inspiration to members and officers at the district council who knew him as a fair and honest individual of strong integrity. Kellas described Jackson as a friend and mentor to many, noting that he would be remembered as a gentleman who was conscientious and kind and who consistently prioritised others over himself, with his work unquestionably benefiting his communities. Kellas stated Jackson would be deeply missed by his many friends and colleagues throughout local government and by the communities he served so faithfully. Kellas extended his thoughts to Jackson’s wife Jilly and his family during this extremely difficult period.
Jackson was also recognised for his activities beyond council work, particularly in agriculture, having served as a director of his family’s meat wholesale business.
The deceased councillor had additionally held the position of chairman at the Nottinghamshire County Show held at Newark Showground and chaired the South Nottinghamshire Hunt.
A tribute co-signed by Councillor Sam Smith, the Conservative group leader at Nottinghamshire County Council, described Jackson as a genuine local champion for his cherished communities. The statement noted that he had represented residents of the Dover Beck ward on Newark and Sherwood District Council for over two decades, as well as serving the Southwell division on the county council, consistently working tirelessly on behalf of those he represented and doing so with considerable distinction.