Councillors observed a minute’s silence this week to remember one of their colleagues who passed away last month.

A former mayor of Maidstone Borough Council and also for seven years its council leader, Dan Daley had represented Allington from 1990 until 2022, when he stood down, aware that his health was in decline.

He had also represented Allington, Bridge, Fant, Heath and High Streets wards as their Maidstone Central Division county councillor at KCC since 2001, and was still a county councillor at the time of his death on Friday, March 24. He was 90.

Cllr Daley had been a Liberal Democrat, but praise for him came from across the council chamber. Cllr Annabelle Blackmore (Con) said: “I knew Dan a long time. He always had a twnkle in his eye and there’s no doubt all his charities appreciated his hard work, his good spirits and his ability to fund-raise for things that other people missed.

“One of the things he was best known for was his photography and I remember his Christmas cards always featured a photograph taken by Dan himself, which made them so much better to receive because it was such a personal thing.

“That’s one of the things Dan will be remembered for – his personal touch, his kindness.

“Even if he was arguing with you, he’d argue in such a delightful way. Afterwards he’d put his arm around your shoulder and smile about it.”

Cllr Clive English (Lib Dem) agreed: “He had such belief and self-confidence, he would argue his cause without anger, rancour or bitterness, or any of the things that often afflict us in political life.

“We will miss his contribution to public life and all the many things he did for Maidstone.

“You only have to look around the town to see his legacy – the MIllennium Park, the Whatman Park and Allington Millennium Green which was so dear to his heart.”

Cllr Martin Cox (Ind) said: “Dan was a genteman. He would listen and help wherever he could. His support for the arts, heritage, the forces and education show his devotion to our borough for over three decades.”

Cllr Maureen Cleator (Lab) said: “I know no-one who has a bad word to say about Dan. He was a true example of public duty and service. Maidstone can be proud to have had someone who represented them so well.”