Tributes paid to 'absolute gentlemen' Paul Sanderson

Paul Sanderson, 59, was placed in an induced coma last week after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Sadly, he never regained consciousness and died on Sunday evening.

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Paul had worked for St Helens Council since 1995, working in various roles, including as the director for environmental protection and latterly as strategic director for place services. He was also appointed as the deputy chief executive in April 2019.

The experienced engineer had planned to retire last year but put those plans on hold after the council parted ways with the former chief executive Mike Palin last September. 

Paul briefly served as acting chief executive until Harry Catherall took over the reins, and agreed to stay on while the council’s senior leadership team underwent a major shake-up. 

He retired at the end of October last year, but continued to work on a number of projects, before finally leaving the council in February 2020.

Following his death, a number of councillors have paid tribute to their former friend and colleague.

Council leader David Baines said he is “deeply saddened” by the news, and sent his “heartfelt condolences” to Paul’s family and friends.

Cllr Baines said: “Like all those who knew Paul and worked closely with him, I am shocked and deeply saddened by this news.

“Paul was a good man and a credit to the council and our borough. He was extremely well-liked and respected by all at the council and by the many partners and organisations that he worked with.

“Everyone connected with St Helens Borough Council send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Angela and to his family and friends.

“The council will look to mark his life and service at an appropriate time.”

Tributes were also paid by several Labour councillors on the overview and scrutiny commission on Monday evening.

Cllr Lynn Clarke, Labour councillor for the town centre ward and former cabinet member for environmental services, was visibly upset as she paid tribute to her long-time colleague and friend.

Cllr Clarke said she, like many others are feeling his loss today and sent the “deepest condolences” to Paul’s wife, Angela.

Paul Sanderson back in February 2019 with the then council leader Derek Long and Lynn Clarke, who was the cabinet member of environmental services
“Paul was a very dear friend and colleague to many and an exceptionally fine officer to this council for over 25 years,” she said.

“I have known him for 18 of those 25 years and I found his advice and help absolutely unquestionable.”

Bold councillor John Wiseman, chair of the St Helens Labour group, said a number of councillors, including opposition leaders, have been “really devastated” by today’s news.

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West Park councillor Derek Long, who served as the council’s leader from April 2018 to 2019, said Paul was an “absolute gentlemen in every sense of the word”, and hailed his achievements as an officer.

Cllr Long said: “In the borough I think we have better roads, we think of the Linkway particularly, but roads, council services and frankly a better economy as a result of Paul’s contribution and from my part, I can’t think of a better legacy to be remembered, by a fine servant of this borough.”