Cllr Malcolm Cressey

Cllr Cressey, who passed away on 30 September, was first elected to the Foxhills ward, which was renamed the Ottershaw ward in 2019. He was re-elected to represent the ward in that year, and again in 2022.

Malcolm had always stood as an independent councillor, and for a period of time was the leader of the Ottershaw Independent Group of councillors.

His son, Cllr Michael Cressey, was elected to the Council, also for Ottershaw ward, in May 2023 and served alongside his father. Michael continues to represent the same area.

During his six years’ service to the community, Cllr Malcolm Cressey served on six committees, including Community Services in 2018/19, Standards and Audit from 2018 to the present day, with a brief gap from 2021/22 – 2022/23, returning as Vice-Chair in 2023/24.

From 2019/20 – 2020/21, he served on the Planning Committee; then from 2021/22 – 2022/23 (and again in 2024/25) the Corporate Management and the Standing Council Tax Setting Committees; and the Housing Committee between 2021/22 – 2022/23.  Before it was disbanded he also served on the Runnymede Joint Committee in 2022/23.

In a statement, the four Co-Leaders of Runnymede Borough Council said: “Our respected colleague Malcolm could always be relied upon to make valuable contributions to any ongoing debate in the chamber.

“He took his role as councillor seriously, spending time to understand the issues facing the Council and diligently represented the people of Ottershaw.

“Our condolences go to his family and especially to his son and fellow councillor Michael.”

As well as serving on the Council’s committees, Malcolm had an interest in the financial and corporate aspects of the Council and the Runnymede Local Plan, being a member of working parties dealing with these areas over the years.

Cllr Carl Mann, Leader of the Ottershaw Independent Group of councillors, said: “It was a pleasure to have known and worked alongside Malcolm. He had a friendly personality, and was held in high regard by the community of Ottershaw and his fellow councillors. Everyone appreciated the time that they spent with Malcolm, and valued his help and advice.

“Malcolm was a great help to me when I joined Runnymede Borough Council in 2021 and has been ever since. I shall miss his ideas, his entertaining views when we talked through the goings on in committee meetings and his understanding of how the Council worked and how to get things done. I feel particularly strongly for his son Michael, knowing how pleased he was to serve on the Council alongside his father. I’m sure everyone connected with the Council sends their condolences and good thoughts to his family.”

In addition to his service to the Council, Cllr Cressey was the Council’s representative on Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital Trust from 2021/22 – 2022/23.

A minute’s silence will be held at the start of the next Full Council meeting on 24 October in memory of Cllr Cressey, and also Cllr Jonathan Wilson, another sitting councillor, who died in August. The Union flag outside the Civic Centre will also be flown at half mast on the day.