Skip to content

Tributes paid to 'unique' former lord mayor

Bristol City Council Jeff Lovell wearing a light grey shirt and smiling at the camera. He has short white hair with dark grey patches, and is sitting in front of a white background.Bristol City Council
Jeff Lovell was described by his fellow councillors as "unique and hardworking"

Tributes have been pouring in for a "hardworking, unique and funny" man, who served his city as both a lord mayor and firefighter.

The funeral of 72-year-old Jeff Lovell, hailed as the 'king of Knowle West, was held at the South Bristol Crematorium on 17 December.

Stories and fond memories were shared at a full Bristol City Council meeting on Tuesday, which his family attended.

Tony Dyer, council leader, said: "You can knock on every single door in Knowle West and Hartcliffe and you won't find someone who has a bad word to say about Jeff Lovell."

Mr Dyer described the "unique and hardworking" former councillor as "the king of Knowle West". He also said Mr Lovell inspired him to get into politics.

"I already miss Jeff, he was the epitome of a nice guy," he added.

Dedicated career

Beginning his career at the Bedminster Fire Station in 1974 at the age of 23, Mr Lovell rose through the ranks during his three decades of service.

In his first year as a firefighter, Mr Lovell attended the IRA bombing of Park Street, which he described as "quite an awakening".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he later worked as an investigative photographer for the brigade, capturing the aftermath of fires.

Mr Lovell eventually retired in 2005 but sat as a councillor on the Avon Fire and Rescue Service for many years.

Chief fire officer Simon Shilton said: "On behalf of Avon Fire & Rescue Service, we were saddened to hear of the death of Jeffrey Lovell.

"He'll be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of working alongside him, including his many friends from across the service and local government."

Avon Pensioners Jeff Lovell sitting on a white sofa in front of a beige wall. He is wearing a blue fire service shirt as part of his uniform, with black epaulettes on his shoulders. He looks to be about middle-age, has dark hair and a full moustache, and is looking at the camera.Avon Pensioners
Mr Lovell spent more than 30 years in the fire service

Mr Lovell was first elected as Labour councillor for Filwood in 2007, and was also cabinet member for social care during his time at the authority.

He served for one year as Lord Mayor of Bristol in 2016, and spent the following year serving as deputy Lord Mayor before standing down in 2021 due to ill-health.

Labour councillor Paul Goggin, another former lord mayor, said Mr Lovell was "immensely proud" of his service to the city.

"In fact he was buried in his robes, so proud he was that a working class Wester could become Bristol's first citizen," he said.

"We were proud and loved him back - his funeral was testament to that. Farewell Jeff, we'll miss you mate," he added.

Bristol City Council Jeff Lovell wearing his red mayoral robes with fake fur trim and a white lace jabot. He is wearing gold mayoral chains and is smiling at the camera. HE is standing in front of a fireplace with a mantle clock and a large gold framed painting above it. Bristol City Council
Mr Lovell was laid to rest in his mayoral robes, given to him when he ascended to the role in 2016

Mr Dyer said Mr Lovell's "devotion to his community stands out".

"When I first came into the council, I was very nervous, as a working class kid with a speech impediment.

"People like Jeff give encouragement to people like me, [...] to put ourselves forward," he added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

Related Internet Links