Former mayor of Brighton and Hove Francis Tonks dies

Francis Tonks, described as a “dedicated public servant, educator, and lifelong advocate for social justice”, died last month.

He was elected the second mayor of unitary authority Brighton and Hove in 1998.

Before his election, he served as a Labour councillor for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean for 22 years and worked as a teacher at Moulsecoomb Secondary Modern and a lecturer at Brighton Technical College.

During the Second World War, Mr Tonks worked in the coal mines as a Bevin Boy, named after Ernest Bevin who started the conscription scheme.

In 2007, he was appointed as an alderman to Brighton and Hove City Council.

Mr Tonks opening the Black Rock station on the Volk's Railway (Image: Supplied) In the same year, Mr Tonks demonstrated his dedication and ferocity when he overturned his expulsion from the Labour Party after being accused of endorsing a Respect party candidate.

He received “overwhelming backing” from members and the public and was re-admitted as a Labour member.

After his retirement, Mr Tonks continued to give back to the community, volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau and serving on the Older People's Council.

Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “On behalf of all serving Labour Councillors, I wanted to express our sadness at the news that Francis Tonks has passed away.

Francis with his daughter Ingrid (Image: Supplied) “Francis served as Mayor of Brighton and Hove, and was a councillor for Moulsecomb and Bevendean – the ward I am now privileged to represent.

“Before that, he represented Moulsecoomb on Brighton Borough Council.

“As local Labour councillors, we are acutely aware that we follow in the footsteps of our predecessors – and seek to build on the victories they achieved for the residents of Brighton and Hove.

“We send our condolences to his friends and family.”

Francis with his wife Jean (Image: Supplied)Mr Tonks is survived by his two children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His wife, Jean, died last year.

A memorial service is taking place at St George's Church in Kemp Town on Wednesday, October 23, at 2pm. The family has requested no flowers. 

Donations can also be made to Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, an international humanitarian organisation which provides medical care across the world.