The funeral arrangements for a respected and popular county councillor and former firefighter have been confirmed.
Cllr Peter Harman, who represented the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents’ Association (SGRA) at Kent County Council for 11 years, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday (August 22).
He had also been a Dartford borough councillor since 2019, standing for Greenhithe and Knockhall, and a councillor on Stone Parish Council.
The service to remember his life is to be held at Thames View Crematorium at 10am on Monday September (23).
Those wishing to attend the funeral are advised to arrive at the crematorium in Gravesend Road, Shorne, at 9.45am.
The funeral cortege will make short stops at Swanscombe Fire Station (9.10am) and the town council offices in The Grove (9.20am) on the way for local people to pay their respects.
The family have asked for no flowers but donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Charity instead.
After his death, the SGRA paid tribute to Cllr Harman, who concentrated on many local issues such as boy racers in Crossways and the continued closure of Galley Hill Road.
They said: “He had a passion for serving his community and always wanted to try and get the best for the community, often in very difficult circumstances.
“Not only was Peter a councillor he was also a devoted husband to Dr Jo Harman, father to Kate and Charlotte and grandfather to Emily and Jessica and it is to them, and the whole family, that our thoughts and condolences go out to at this saddest of times.”
Town mayor Ann Duke added: “We are all in shock at this news. Peter has been such a well-loved and well-respected leader in our community over many years.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service has also paid tribute to Cllr Harman, a serving member of the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority, and former Kent firefighter.
Its chief executive Ann Millington said: “Peter dedicated many years of his life to the fire sector, as a former firefighter in London and here in Kent at Swanscombe station, and he was a valued member of our fire authority which governs our service. We will all miss him greatly.”
Because Cllr Harman’s death happened outside the legal six month period, a by-election must now be held.
In accordance with convention, it is unlikely such a vote will be called until after his funeral.
Cllr Harman, a former mayor of Swanscombe, polled 40% and 43% at the 2017 and 2021 KCC elections.
Analysis of the wards that make up the divisions by pollsters Britain Elects seems to suggest a three-way contest with Labour substantially in front by roughly 10%, at around 35%, of Reform UK and the Conservatives.
However, the result could be affected by the SGRA should it stand a candidate.
