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Russell Harsant, County and Borough Councillor for Bixley Ward in Ipswich, sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning, aged 78. Cllr Harsant had been fighting cancer for many months, but had managed to carry on as before until the last few weeks. His health deteriorated rapidly after Christmas and he was treated as an in patient at St Elizabeth Hospice.

Ben Gummer MP led tributes: “This is very sad news. Russell was a kind and life-enhancing friend whom we shall all miss very much. He made a considerable contribution to Ipswich during several decades of public service as a Borough and County councillor. Liz is in my thoughts and prayers.”

Russell was a long standing member of both Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council, a former Conservative group leader on Ipswich Borough Council, and between 2004 and 2010 he was a solid and devoted supporter of his wife Liz whilst she was Leader of the Council. He was proud of the fact that he had never lost an election, having taken St Clement’s ward off the Labour party in 1983 to join the Borough Council. He rapidly rose to be Conservative Group leader before standing down in the early nineties. In 1997 he was elected to be the County Councillor for Bixley Ward, before returning to the Borough Council in 2008 at a by election. Since then he has represented Bixley ward on both councils.

Educated at Northgate Grammar School, Russell was articled to a building firm in the town and recently recalled how his “old gaffer” had been involved in the building of Rosehill Library. His interest in buildings continued throughout his involvement in public life and he was on Development Control at Suffolk County Council and Planning & Development Control committee at Ipswich Borough Council. Russell also served as Vice Chairman of the Roads and Transport Scrutiny Committee on the County Council alongside current Leader of the County Council, Mark Bee.

Cllr Bee told Ipswich Spy “I know I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say we are truly saddened to lose Russell from our lives.

“Russell was a hard working person who exercised good judgement and who cared very much about his constituents. He had a wonderful sense of humour and a warm heart that was complemented by his dry wit. We made an excellent team on the Roads and Transport Scrutiny Committee and I will look back on those years with fond memories. Russell was committed to his role and took his responsibilities seriously – he always put people before politics.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Russell’s family, and in particular to his wife Liz, with whom we all share sadness today.”

IBC Conservative Group Leader John Carnall said “At times politics can be very bitter but Russell’s attitude made sure this didn’t happen. Russell had the great respect of all his colleagues and officers as well and will be missed by all.”

Labour leader of Ipswich Borough Council, David Ellesmere, added “Russell was well-liked by members of all parties. He loved the political process and had a connoisseur’s ear for a well-turned phrase or debating point. He seemed to appreciate a good point made at his party’s expense almost as much as when his party got one over on the opposition. And he would enjoy discussing this, always with a twinkle in his eye. His contributions were always well-considered and worth listening to. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts go out to Liz and his family.”

For the Ipswich Liberal Democrats, Cllr Ken Bates said “The Ipswich Liberal Democrats are all deeply saddened to hear that Russell has passed away. Russell was an experienced councillor who served the people of Ipswich for nearly thirty years. This is a very sad day and all of our thoughts are with Liz and the family, he will be sorely missed.

“I personally am very deeply saddened by Russell’s passing. Though I didn’t know him that well and for very long, he was always very encouraging to me and I held him with the highest regard.”

And in the Ipswich Star, political editor Paul Geater said: “When I started Russell was already a senior councillor who soon became group leader – but he always had time to talk to a youngster starting out.

“We’ve chatted regularly, and candidly, hundreds of times since then. This is an incredibly sad day. My heart goes out to Liz and his family.”

The Ipswich Star also has the best photograph of Russell we’ve seen, which we reproduce below.

Those we remember will never die, for to be remembered is to have immortality.

IS/PN

Author’s note: I knew Russell well and this has been a very difficult article to write. It has been made much easier by the outpouring of genuine affection for a man I am proud to say was one of my best friends, a very loyal friend to the end and a man I greatly admire. I visited him at his home just days before he went to the hospice and he was still as engaging and sharp as the first time I met him, although he tired quickly. My heart goes out to Liz and his family, who must be comforted by the vast array of support on offer from those across the spectrum in Ipswich.

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