It is with great sadness that we announce Cllr Nick Bowler passed away on Tuesday, 12 October.
The Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, Leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group, Cllr Vince Maple, and Chief Executive of Medway Council, Neil Davies, have paid tribute to Cllr Bowler.
A passionate advocate for the local community
Cllr Jarrett said: “Nick was a hardworking councillor who was a passionate advocate for the local community. He will be dearly missed by all of his colleagues at Medway Council as well as the residents he represented. I would like to express my condolences to Nick’s partner, family and friends.”
Liked and respected on all sides
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group, said: “Nick was a very hard working, dedicated councillor representing Rochester East for more than two decades. He was a fantastic Mayor of Medway. His passion and dedication for planning was remarkable and Nick was liked and respected on all sides within the council chamber. I personally will miss Nick immensely from our Group meetings as well as enjoying live music and the Arsenal with him, two of his passions outside the world of politics. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his partner Sandra, his family, friends and all those who were lucky enough to know Nick.”
Devoted local councillor
Chief Executive of Medway Council, Neil Davies, said: “I was saddened to hear of the death of Cllr Nick Bowler. He was a devoted local councillor who was proud to represent Rochester East. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his partner, family and friends at this most difficult time.”
Cllr Bowler served on Medway Council continuously since 2000, firstly in Troy Town from 2000 to 2003, then, following ward boundary changes, he represented Rochester East ward from 2003 to 2021. He also served on Rochester Upon Medway City Council during 1997-1998 (Troy Town ward).
Cllr Bowler served as Mayor of Medway during the 2003-2004 municipal year, and then as Deputy Mayor during the 2007-2008 municipal year.
He was passionate about planning, serving on the Planning Committee since 2000 and as spokesperson for the Labour and Co-operative Group since 2001.
Cllr Bowler also served on a number of other Committees over the years.