Robin Cottle , Reporter
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
11:20 AM
The controversial first council leader of the borough of Bexley has died.
Jim Wellbeloved, who became leader when Bexley became a London borough in 1965, passed away last week aged 86. He was also MP for Erith and Crayford from 1965 to 1983 and hit the headlines when he was one of 28 Labour MPs to defect to the Social Democrat Party in 1981.
Mr Wellbeloved fought for the seat in the 1983 general election but he was narrowly defeated by current Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett.
Mr Evennett said: “When I was elected as his successor Jim could not have been more helpful and supportive with regards to constituents’ casework and local issues.
“My condolences go to his family at this sad time.”
He is survived by his wife Mavis, three children and four grandchildren.
A Welling man is one of nine who have been charged with violent disorder in connection with the trouble which marred Millwall Football Club’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on April 13.
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