City's longest serving councillor of 55 years dies

Peter Abraham was the longest serving member at Bristol City Council

A city's longest serving councillor of 55 years who "saw through the prism of Bristol politics", has died at the age of 83.

Peter Abraham was first elected to Bristol City Council in 1966 for the Stockwood ward and stood down in 2021.

A "born and bred Bristolian", he was Lord Mayor three times and was elected as an Alderman in 2021.

Close friend and fellow councillor Richard Eddy said his passing marks "the end of an era".

Richard Eddy said it was a "privilege" to meet Peter Abraham when he was growing up in the 80s

"Peter was diminutive in stature, but he was a giant," he said.

"He was incredibly proud of Bristol, his home city - he one of the historic Bristolians.

"He had more energy and ideals than two people half his age."

Mr Eddy said he felt "sad" to hear the news of his passing and explained he had been in "ill health for several years".

"[Politics] was a real labour of love for him," he added.

Mr Weston (left) said Mr Abraham's "institutional memory" would be missed

Conservative councillor for Henbury and Brentry, Mark Weston said Mr Abraham was "old hand" when he first came onto the council .

"He went through the ending of the Cold War, the Thatcher years and he saw through the prism of Bristol politics," he said.

"The change that he'd seen through that period was phenomenal.

"That institutional memory he had, that will be missed.

"It was genuinely a life-time of service. An incredible achievement."

On social media, Bristol Lord Mayor Paul Goggin said it was "very sad" news.

"My thoughts are with Peter's family and friends at this difficult time," he added.

Mr Abraham served almost every single Bristol City Council committee, decision-making body and outside body.

He was also a long-serving member of the council's licensing committee.