Sad death of past councillor and mayor Richard J Parry

Published: 13 November 2024

Sevenoaks Town Council is sad to announce the death of Richard J Parry, a town councillor for 24 years and three times Mayor of Sevenoaks.

Former Councillor Parry was elected as a Conservative town councillor in 1999 and served the town until 2023. He was elected Mayor in 2002-3, 2007-8 and 2012-13. He also served as Deputy Town Mayor in 2011-12.

He leaves behind his wife Rachel, also a town councillor from 2015-23 and Mayor of Sevenoaks for 2022-3.
Current Sevenoaks Mayor Cllr Libby Ancrum said: “We are deeply saddened by the news. Richard gave great service to Sevenoaks town, elected as a town councillor for 24 years and contributing his time as mayor for three terms of office.
“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Rachel and the rest of his family.”
Town Clerk Linda Larter said: “Richard was a very active and dedicated councillor both at Sevenoaks Town Council and Kent County Council, he always wanted the Town Council to ‘punch above its weight’.
“He was instrumental in many of the Town Council projects, probably the most ambitious being taking over the Stag, restoring Bat & Ball Station, and building the Bat & Ball Centre. He was also involved in the setting up of the House in The Basement Youth café. He contributed so much to the local community.
“We send our deepest condolences to his wife Rachel Parry also a former Town Councillor and Mayor, and his family and friends.”
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