Newark and Sherwood District Council members and former colleagues pay tribute to solicitor David Payne

Tributes are being paid to a well-known solicitor and long-standing member of Newark and Sherwood District Council who has died.

David Payne, president of Notts Law Society, was the founder of Payne and Gamage solicitors in Newark, and was a former leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council.

He was first elected on to the council in April 1975, and stood as vice-chairman in 1987/88, and then as chairman in 1988/89, serving on the council until May 2019.

Mr Roger Jackson, served on the council with Mr Payne for a number of years, and described him as a great man and politician:

“I remember him at my first full council meeting in 2003, I was sat between him and Richard Alexander, which was an eye opener for a young councillor, being between two very ardent politicians, but David had a heart of gold,” he said.

“He served Newark very well as a defence solicitor and worked very hard for the council, especially in housing in his younger days.

“David was a very decent gentleman and I remember him very well.”

Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “Councillor David Payne served Newark and Sherwood District Council residents for over 40 years, including spending time as chairman in 1988 and 1989. This commitment to our district for such a long time is remarkable.

“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to David’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Peter Duncan, co-ordinator of the Newark Civic Trust, said: "Across five decades, David Payne was a powerful force in protecting and promoting the interests of both Newark and the District.

“As a passionate advocate of the Nolan principles in public life, he fought tirelessly to ensure that standards were maintained. His peerless memory and attention to detail served him well in this regard and he was never afraid to hold his own colleagues to account.

He will be greatly missed."

Former Newark Advertiser news editor Dan Churcher has paid tribute to Mr Payne.

“I had the privilege of knowing David Payne from the very early days of my journalistic career covering the cases before Newark Magistrates’ Court,” he said, “His knowledge of the law was incredible and people hung on his every word and every counsel.

“He was kind, supportive, a true gentleman of the old school and a shrewd politician who put community first for instance.”