Former Lord Mayor and Leader Harry Cragg passes away

Earlier today (Tuesday 1 August) we received the very sad news that former Council Leader and Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Alderman Harry Cragg, has died.

Harry was Leader between May 2005 and May 2007 and was Lord Mayor in 2009/10.

He served as a councillor for St Stephen’s ward between 1999 and 2015, and in January 2017 was made an Honorary Alderman in recognition of his service to the community.

The council’s Head of Paid Service, Tricia Marshall, said: “As Leader and as a councillor, Harry’s priorities were always making sure residents were getting the very best services we could provide and representing the council and district with great dedication and passion locally, nationally and internationally.

“He was the epitome of what a councillor should be and everybody knew he had Canterbury running through his blood.”

Current Lord Mayor, Cllr Jean Butcher, said: “Harry worked incredibly hard in the community and was a very popular Lord Mayor, attending hundreds of engagements and supporting numerous groups and organisations. Together with his wife, Sheila, as Lady Mayoress, they were a brilliant team and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

“It’s a very sad day and my thoughts are with his family and many friends.”

Published: 1 August 2023