He had served as a District Councillor for over 25 years
Tributes have been paid to a Kent councillor and father described as a “champion of his local community” who sadly died at the end of 2025.
Cllr Gary Williamson, who served as a District Councillor in Sevenoaks for over 25 years, passed away on Sunday, December 28.
During his long political career, Gary was the Chairman of the Development Management Committee and had previously served on the Cabinet.
He spent his whole life living in Knockholt and then Halsted.
The Conservative councillor for Halstead, Knockholt and Badgers Mount was a member of the Parish Council before joining the District Council. As a councillor, Gary worked with the community to fight issues that were of concern to the local area.
This included bringing the Fort Halstead development plans to the community’s attention and actively representing residents against the planning application.
Alongside his political work, Cllr Williamson was a local businessman, running a chain of butcher shops, including one on London Road in Sevenoaks, for many years.
Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, Cllr Kevin Maskell, said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a wonderful Councillor, who served his beloved ward of Halstead, Knockholt and Badgers Mount for over a quarter of a century.
“Gary was a true champion of his local community, was highly respected and will be remembered for his hard work.
“He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and two children.” A minute’s silence will be held in honour of Gary at the start of the next Cabinet meeting.
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