Tributes paid to former City Council Leader Chester Long

Published: 16 May 2023

Chester Long, a former Leader of Exeter City Council, has died at the age of 90.

The long-serving former councillor passed away early this week.

Chester was first elected in 1963 as a City Councillor for the Barton ward, representing the Labour Party. He then represented the Whipton ward for two years before losing his seat in 1968.

He returned to the Council in 1972 for the Wonford ward and then from 1973 to 2003 was the Councillor for the Whipton ward again.

He served for a total of 36 years and was Council Leader between 1983 and 1999.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk knew Chester well and paid tribute to the former Leader. He said: “We are all saddened to learn of the death of Chester Long. All our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

“Chester was leader of the Council between 1983 and 1999. He was prominent in party politics and a good local trade unionist in the NUR/RMT.

“He was committed to the city and led us to the present day success which we now enjoy. He will be sadly missed by everyone in this city.”

The City Council sends its condolences to Chester’s friends and family at this sad time.