Tributes paid to Exeter councillor Paul Bull
Tributes have been paid to popular Exeter councillor who has died following a battle with cancer.
Exeter City Council’s lead for Communities and Culture, Cllr Paul Bull, passed away last night (Sunday 19 February).
Paul, 60, who was the councillor for St Thomas, had been battling cancer.
His wife Cllr Rachel Sutton, who serves on the council as lead for City Development and as Labour’s Group Deputy Leader, was by his side.
Labour Leader Pete Edwards said: “Paul was Mr Community. He was an extraordinary person – his kindness was unlimited. He was knowledgeable and talented in so many areas of life, but his real passion was serving the community here in Exeter. Simply put – this city is a better place for everything he did.
“His passion, his beliefs and his commitment will carry on. All our thoughts are with Rachel and the family.”
Ben Bradshaw MP said: “Paul was a wonderful man and a first rate councillor. We were out together in St Thomas just last month, going door to door, talking to residents.
“He fought his cancer with great courage and we will all miss him very much.
“My thoughts and prayers are particularly with Rachel at this very sad time.”
In addition to Paul's notable work for Exeter City Council, he was an award-winning sound designer and engineer, working nationally and internationally with leading theatre and dance companies and musicians. He was highly regarded by performers, directors and peers for his warmth and professionalism.
Eddie Lopez, Secretary of Exeter Labour Party said” Exeter Labour Party and the people of Exeter who Paul served so passionately have lost a good comrade, a friend, a socialist, and a committed campaigner for a better society. Paul was always there on behalf of those with problems or in need, whether it was dealing with local bus route problems, homelessness, defending the NHS, or for those in poverty in the third world. Paul’s campaigning and communication skills will be missed by all who are striving to build a society based on love, respect, co-operation and fairness. The thoughts of everyone in the Labour Party are with Rachel and the family.
Steve Barriball, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Exeter said: “It is with the very deepest sadness that we have heard of the loss of our friend and colleague, Paul Bull. “
“Paul first joined our charity as a volunteer gateway assessor and later joined our Board.”
“Paul always brought important insights into emerging strategies and suggestions of where we could benefit from these opportunities. He was a vocal advocate for the work of our charity; both as a volunteer and trustee, and as a City Councillor. He was also great fun, and always had a story to tell.”
“As a gateway assessor Paul embraced technology and was one of our first volunteers to participate in a new webchat pilot. He also embraced the Adviceline service and once told me that, much to his own surprise, he enjoyed this work as much as face-to-face contact with our clients. As many will also know he was very active on social media, using this to highlight injustices in the benefits system, and in other areas.”
“As a member of our Operations and Policy Committee, Paul brought about important improvements to the services that we provide and was also instrumental in raising issues that affected our wider volunteer workforce. “
“His dedication to our charity, and the City, was clear for all to see and we are very fortunate to have known him. Only last week we were in touch about potential new opportunities and were planning to catch up in the next week or so. “
“We will miss him desperately. Our thoughts are with his wife Rachel and the family.”
Rachel has expressed her thanks to everyone for the support and good wishes.
