Obituary: Councillor Peter Hollingworth

Councillor Peter Hollingworth, one of our longest serving members, passed away in January aged 88

He served as a Birmingham City councillor representing the Harborne ward for 51 years between 1960 to 2011.

Peter, a chartered surveyor, had served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and in 2012 was made a Freeman on Birmingham City, having served as Lord Mayor bewteen 1982-1983 and Deputy Lord Mayor 2004-2005.

Sir Alfred Bore, leader of the council. member of the EU Committee of the Regions since 1994 and President of that Committee 2002-2004, said “ There were fundamental disagreements between us on issues such as the European Union”. This a remarkable  understatement. Peter often called Sir Alfred Bore “Der Fuhrer”.

My favourite story is an occasion when Peter placed a copy of our Free Britain newspaper on every seat in the council chamber. Apparently red in the face Alfred demanded that all copies should be removed or the city solicitor would be called in. With his arms folded and a smile Peter refused, accompanied by laughter and applause from other city councillors.

A great character, family man and church supporter, Peter will be greatly missed

George West

President CIB