Tributes paid to golden legacy of former Wolverhampton council leader Norman Davies
Former city council leader Norman Davies OBE – who led the campaign to win Wolverhampton its proud city status – has died.
Friends and former colleagues today paid tribute to the ‘straight-talking’ councillor who they said leaves Wolverhampton a golden legacy.
The former engineer was at the helm on the council when Wolverhampton was made a Millennium City in 2000.
Deputy mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Phil Page said his efforts in making Wolverhampton a city will never be forgotten and was a ‘golden legacy’.
He said: “Norman was really the driving force for Wolverhampton to apply and achieve city status. It brings companies here, people want to live here, they want their children to go to school here. It has certainly set the role of where Wolverhampton is today.”
Mr Davies was a former councillor for Springvale and Bilston East Ward and a supporter of Bilston Town FC and Wolves.
Conservative party leader at Wolverhampton council Wendy Thompson added: “Norman was fiercely loyal to Bilston. He put his heart and soul in the place.”
Mr Davies, who lived in Bilston, died on Wednesday and leaves behind wife Mary and six children.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, who took over representing the Bilston East ward when Mr Davies retired in 2002, said losing Mr Davies was a ‘real tragedy’.
He said: “He was straightforward, straight talking, no frills or fuss – a great leader of the council, a great leader of men.
"Norman was a real family man and deeply working class – he revelled in it and was proud of it.
“He was committed to Bilston and never shied away from decision-making. I was nominated to carry on from him and I hope I can still do him proud.” I offer my deepest sympathies to the family.”
Mr Davies got an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 1992, an event he described at the time as ‘remarkable’.
He was elected as councillor for Springvale and Bilston East Ward on May 1973 and was leader of the Labour Group from 1987-2002 and of the council from 1988-92 and again from 1994-2002.
He served as a councillor for Spring Vale ward and later Bilston East from 1973-84 and 1986-2002 and involved himself in many organisations up until his death, including Beacon Centre for the Blind, West Midlands Crime and Police Panel, Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletic Club, and Wolverhampton Older People’s Partnership Board.
Leader of the council Roger Lawrence said: “Norman was a much-respected council leader for many years.
“He would have been delighted to see the progress being made on Bilston Urban Village, a project he initiated.
“He may best be remembered for achieving Millennium City Status for Wolverhampton – something he was very proud of.”
