Councillor Maurice Heaster took centre stage at a civic presentation to mark his 40th year of serving the people of Wandsworth.
First elected in May 1968, Coun Heaster has served on almost every committee and has influenced all aspects of council services.
He currently holds the post of deputy council leader, a position he has occupied for a total of 25 years, is executive member for corporate resources and has lead responsibility for the council’s finances.
Coun Heaster, a councillor in the Wandsworth Common ward, said: “I find [being a councillor] very enjoyable. In local Government you have to keep ahead of the pack by coming up with new ideas and changing with the times.”
He counts creating town centre managers, founding the first partnership with police and work on staffing levels at the town hall among his best achievements.
He added: “My business background helped me . . . the customer shouldn’t be paying a penny more than they need to, I like good value for money principles.”
Paying tribute to his achievements, Wandsworth Council leader, Councillor Edward Lister, said: “Maurice Heaster has a unique record of public service. His contribution to Wandsworth has been extraordinary in both in council activities and in his voluntary sector work.”
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