Tributes have been paid to a former mayor and councillor who represented Merthyr Tydfil with “dignity and pride”.
Councillor Howard Barrett, who served as mayor between 2019 and 2021, died on Sunday, October 31, aged 60.
A minute’s silence was held at the meeting of full council on Wednesday, November 3, as a mark of respect.
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The leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council, Lisa Mytton, paid tribute to her fellow councillor and ward member. She said: “Howard was first elected as councillor in the Vaynor ward in 2008 and was mayor of Merthyr Tydfil from 2019 to 2021 where he represented the county borough with dignity and pride.
“During his time of office he worked tirelessly for the ward. He was previously a cabinet member and more recently chair of planning.
“Howard played an active role outside of council representing Merthyr Tydfil on the Brecon Beacons National Parks and a long-serving school governor at Ysgol y Graig.
“Howard was not only my colleague but my dear friend whom I will miss tremendously."
Council chief executive Ellis Cooper said: “Despite his recent illness Howard was fiercely dedicated to this council and the people he represented and never failed to meet all of his council commitments.
“He will be greatly missed and our most sincere condolences go to his son Wayne and family at this most difficult time.”
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