Tribute made as Councillor Purton passes away

Published date

It is with great sadness that Harlow Council announces that Councillor Danny Purton has passed away. 

Councillor Purton who was a Labour councillor for the Mark Hall Ward passed away last night following a short illness.

Danny was elected as a councillor for Mark Hall in February 2015 and was re-elected in May 2018. Danny was also Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and was appointed to that position in May 2016. He represented Harlow and the council on a number of outside bodies. 

Before becoming a councillor Danny was a senior manager at the council for many years and was Head of Design & Engineering Services. Danny originally worked for the Harlow Development Corporation and rode a moped from Ilford during the management of Harlow's road building. He then transferred to Harlow Council in the early 70s and retired in 2005.

Brian Keane, Chief Executive of Harlow Council, said:

This morning we were all saddened to hear the news that Councillor Purton had passed away. We will all miss Danny’s experience and knowledge and his commitment to making Harlow a better place to live. As cabinet portfolio holder for environment Danny led on many high profile projects including Harlow’s local development plan which was adopted in December last year. He was passionate about his town and its future and during his time serving as councillor and when he worked as a council officer he made a significant contribution to Harlow. 

“On behalf of the whole council I would like to express my sympathy and deepest condolences to Danny’s family, his colleagues and friends and to all those who knew him.”

As a mark of respect the civic crest flag outside the Civic Centre has been lowered.