A Suffolk MP has paid tribute to a former county council chairman, remembering his "kindness and charisma" and for being a "champion of Felixstowe".

Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal, recalled how Cllr Graham Newman helped her with a campaign to prevent tolling on the A14.

Cllr Newman, who was 74, was one of the leading figures in Suffolk local politics for the best part of 20 years as a leading member of both the county council and Felixstowe Town Council.

He died over the Christmas period at St Elizabeth Hospice following a short illness.

Ipswich Star: Cllr Graham Newman has been remembered by colleagues alike.Cllr Graham Newman has been remembered by colleagues alike. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Mr Newman had an extensive career within Suffolk County Council holding roles including cabinet member for adult services, lead on children, school and young people's services and then the cabinet post for roads and transport.

Alongside his county duties, Mr Newman served on Felixstowe Town Council and was mayor twice, including in 2014/15 and 2018/19.

Dr Coffey said: "It is with great sadness that I pay tribute to Graham Newman, the County Councillor for Felixstowe Coastal, who died just after Christmas following a short illness.

"My sympathies and prayers are with his wife and family.

"I will always remember with great fondness Graham’s kindness and charisma.

"He was a hugely dedicated public servant, serving as a County Councillor since 2005, during which time he held roles in the Cabinet as well as Chairman of the Council.

"It was whilst he was Cabinet member for Transport, that he helped me with my successful petition to prevent tolling on the A14.

"A great champion for Felixstowe, both a political and personal friend - I will miss him dearly."

Ipswich Star: Graham and Jan Newman during his first term as mayor of Felixstowe.Graham and Jan Newman during his first term as mayor of Felixstowe. (Image: Archant)

Mr Newman was elected vice chairman of the county council in 2019 and then the chairman role in 2020.

Tributes poured in from across organisations Mr Newman served on praising his dedication and passion for Felixstowe and transport.

Robert Everitt, chairman of Suffolk County Council, said: “In Graham, Suffolk had an exemplar model of what a county councillor should be. A defender of local decision making, a committed public servant, an honest representative of his division and a champion for the people he represented."

The 74-year-old was also chair of the Suffolk Coastal Conservative Association and chief ambassador for Visit Felixstowe. 

Sharon Harkin, Mayor of Felixstowe said “We have all lost a wonderful colleague and a wise, passionate voice in our local democracy."