Tributes are being shared following the announcement that former Knowsley Council Leader Jim Keight OBE passed away at the weekend.
Jim’s career at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council spanned 32 years, beginning when the Council was first established in 1974. He was among its first elected members and – with the exception of one year – he remained a Knowsley Councillor until 2007.
Jim’s service included 16 years as Leader of the Council from 1987 to 2003. He also served as Mayor of Knowsley from 2005 to 2006.
He was awarded an OBE in 1996 in recognition of his service to local government.
After retiring as a Councillor, Jim was made an Honorary Alderman in May 2008 in recognition of the service he gave to the Borough of Knowsley.
Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said “On behalf of the Council, I’d like to send my condolences to Jim’s family, friends and former colleagues at this sad time.
“Jim gave outstanding service to local government over more than 30 years.
“Among his many achievements was his leadership of the campaign to save our Borough when plans to redraw boundaries would have seen Knowsley disappear from the map.
“He also played a key role in establishing our twinning relationship with Stadt Moers in Germany, a successful partnership that has created many opportunities for people in both towns since 1980.
“Jim is still fondly remembered at the Council and across Knowsley, and he leaves a proud legacy as part of this Borough’s history.”
Jim’s funeral will take place at 10.30am on Friday 10 November 2023.
The funeral mass will take place at St Agnes and St Aidan Parish Church, Huyton Hey Road, Huyton, Knowsley L36 5SQ and will be followed by interment at Fox’s Bank Cemetery.
As a mark of respect, the Union Jack flag will be flying at half-mast outside of the Council’s Huyton Municipal Building and the Kirkby Centre until the day of Jim’s funeral.