Rotherham Councillor's death announced as tributes flood in from across politics

A Rotherham Councillor has died suddenly, political colleagues have announced, with tributes being paid from across the political divide.

John Blackham was a Conservative who had represented the Anston and Woodsetts ward on Rotherham Council since May 2024.

He had wide-ranging responsibilities, serving on the authority’s Audit Committee, Improving Lives Select Commission, Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the Transportation Advisory Group.

Despite those committments, he had an unblemished record of attendance for meetings on his diary, council records show, including last Wednesday’s meeting of the full council.

Conservative group leader Cllr Zachary Collingham told the Advertiser: “John was a true gentleman and lovely man who made the time to serve the community he lived in.

“As a retired auditor and accountant, his skills and experience were invaluable in scrutinising decisions and getting the best deals for residents.

“He is a huge loss to both his community and the council.

“I will miss his keen insight, steadfast support and his hearty laugh.

“All our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Cllr Blackham represented his ward alongside Conservative colleague Cllr Tim Baum-Dixon and Cllr Drew Tarmey, who represents the Lib Dems.

Cllr Baum-Dixon said in a statement: “I will miss him enormously, both as a colleague and a friend. He will be sorely missed.”

Former Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford said he was sharing the news of Mr Blackham’s sudden death “with great sadness”.

“His sudden death is a huge loss to his family, friends, fellow councillors and to the wider community.

“John meant a great deal to those who knew and worked alongside him. I remember fondly many of our conversations.

Labour Councillor John Williams, who represents the Hoober ward for Labour, said he was “shocked and saddened” by his colleague’s death, stating: “I always found Cllr Blackham to be very professional, friendly and approachable in the town hall and in committee meetings.

“It was only in our council meeting last week that received cross-party praise for his work and contributions on the council’s scrutiny committee.”

Cllr Robert Elliott described him as “knowledgable and enthusiastic, while Cllr Jodi Ryalls said: “He was a true gentleman, had the time of day for anyone, always a smile on his face, his constituents were lucky to have him.”

Rotherham Council said Cllr Blackham had been “highly respected”.