Published: Wednesday, 6th May 2026
Medway Council is deeply saddened to share news that long-standing Medway councillor, Cllr Phil Filmer, has passed away.
Tributes to Cllr Filmer have been led by Cllr George Perfect, Leader of the Medway Conservative Group, who said: "Cllr Filmer was a dedicated and passionate councillor committed to not only serving the residents of his ward, but also residents in every part of Medway. During his nearly twenty-five years’ service across both the Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet, Cllr Filmer was dedicated to ensuring residents received high quality services from the Council, whilst a member of the administration and in opposition.
Known for his kindness and personable nature, Cllr Filmer will be missed greatly by people across the whole of Medway. The Conservative Group and I will miss our colleague, but also our very dear friend, dearly, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Medway Council leader Cllr Vince Maple, said: “Across the political spectrum, Cllr Phil Filmer was both respected and liked in a way which is rare to find. His dedication to local government for both Medway Council and previously Rochester-Upon-Medway City Council was clear for all to see as a ward councillor, a member of the opposition or a cabinet member. He will be missed by everyone across the council chamber. My thoughts and the thoughts of all councillors continue to be with Phil’s family and friends at this most difficult time.”
Cllr Filmer was first elected to Medway Council in 2000, having previously been a councillor for Rochester-Upon-Medway City Council from 1991 to 1995. He remained a member of Medway Council since that time representing All Saints ward from 2000 to 2003, then Peninsula ward from 2003 to 2023, before being elected for the Cuxton, Halling and Riverside ward in 2023.
Cllr Filmer joined the Cabinet in 2003, initially holding the Highways and Transport brief, then a wider ranging Frontline Services portfolio from 2005 to 2023. Also the current Opposition Spokesperson on the Planning Committee, and a member of the shadow cabinet, Cllr Filmer’s roles reflected his long-standing interest in transport, planning and the regeneration of Medway.
Well known as the owner of a number of local businesses, Cllr Filmer was also a member of the Rochester Bridge Trust, first nominated by Medway Council to the Trust in 2011 before being elected Junior Warden from May 2017 to May 2021, and Senior Warden from May 2021 to May 2023.
Messages of condolence can be emailed to Members@Medway.gov.uk.
Find out more about how you can send a message of condolence or sign a book of condolence.