10:42am Friday 2nd January 2009
Councillor Driver became Croydon's youngest mayor at just 40.
Born and brought up in Skipton, North Yorkshire, Coun Driver headed southwards when he was a teenager to study theology at Kings College London.
While studying Coun Driver became actively involved in politics and won his first local council election in Lambeth in 1994 eventually becoming the council’s youngest Mayor at age 30.
For almost two decades he taught history at the Emanuel School in Wandsworth and was remembered fondly by both staff and students.
Former Emanuel School student, Ben Thompson, said: "Mr Driver was a teacher who was known and respected by everyone throughout the school, not just those he taught.
"I fondly remember my lessons with him, and the warmth and humour he brought to the classroom. He really was a great character and I'm sure many other former students will be shocked and saddened by the news."
Coun Driver was first elected to Croydon Council in 2006, representing his home area of Waddon, where he lived for the past seven years.
One of the Mayor's prime goals after entering into Croydon politics in 2006 and becoming Mayor in 2008 was to get the borough city status to make sure it “gets the credit it deserves and avoids unwarranted criticism.”
A council spokesman said: “As a councillor, Jonathan was a larger-than-life figure, noted for his deep knowledge and love of history, his championing of the Common Book of Prayer, his passion for music, and a dry Yorkshire wit.
"As Mayor, he presided over council meetings with fairness and good humour, and was respected by both sides of the chamber. He drew on his experience, a decade previously, of having been the youngest mayor in Lambeth’s history, to ensure that council meetings were business-like and purposeful, while leaving room for members of the public and backbenchers to have their views heard and respected.
“He carried out his duties with distinction and a strong human touch. Highlights of his time in office included leading the town’s armed forces parade in October and visiting our twin town, Arnhem, in September. He played a full part in the borough’s celebrations leading up to Christmas.”
While not taking part in his mayoral duties Coun Driver was a keen actor, taking part in amateur dramatics at Leatherhead's operatic society.
Coun Driver was particularly keen on musicals with his baritone voice being heard in productions of Gilbert and Sullivan's works was well as the classic, Oliver.
He also championed Croydon charities such as The Cause 2000 which works with elders of the Caribbean population in the borough as well as Waddon-based Croydon unit of the national Sea Cadets Corps.
Any donations should be made to the mayor's charities, via Croydon Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1XW.
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