Tributes have been paid to the former Leader of Brent Council, Tom Bryson, who passed away last week.
Those close to him have informed the council that he died in Spain where he moved to with his wife following his retirement. He has a son and daughter that live locally in Brent and Harrow.
Mr Bryson was well-respected and served as Leader of Brent Council from 1981-1983. He continued to be a good friend to the council until his death.
He was born in Scotland and was initially very active in the Labour Party in Scotland. After moving to London, he was elected to Brent Council in May 1974 as a representative for the Wembley Central ward. He then served as a Labour Councillor, continuing to represent the Wembley Central ward through to May 1986. A Senior Tax Inspector by profession, he became Vice Chair of the Brent Council Finance Committee, progressing to Chair which he served as for many years. He was also a former Chair of the Brent North Constituency Labour Party.
In the early 1980s London was experiencing significant race riots. Mr Bryson was instrumental in bringing together Black community leaders to form a group. The group sought community facilities so Mr Bryson took a delegation of community leaders in Stonebridge to Brussels.
