Jim Maddan OBE

Heartfelt tributes are being made today to Jim Maddan, Mayor of Wandsworth, who sadly passed away earlier this morning (13th September)at St George's Hospital.

Cllr Maddan, who represented Thamesfield ward in Putney, had served as a councillor in Wandsworth since 2002. Prior to entering local politics he served as a police officer for 30 years, rising to the rank of Inspector until his retirement in 1999. He was the officer in charge of day-to-day policing in Putney and Roehampton from 1992 until his retirement seven years later.

Council Leader Ravi Govindia said: “Jim had been unwell for some time but his passing comes as a huge and very sad shock to us all. He served the people of Wandsworth faithfully for many years, first as a police officer and then as a local councillor. In both roles he was a truly dedicated public servant who wanted the best for the community he loved.

“To those who were lucky enough to know him he was a larger than life character, great fun and great company and a wise and respected colleague. He will be truly missed by many, many people across our borough but especially in Putney and Roehampton.

“Our deepest thoughts, sympathies and condolences go out to his family, especially to our Mayoress Linda. Their loss is our loss too and our hearts go out to them at this very sad time.”

Postings on this website forum include, " Such sad news. Cant believe this. Jim worked so hard and was incredibly passionate about the borough".

"Very sad news of a long time public servant at least he saw his beloved Brighton make the premiership".

"His commitment and enthusiasm for Putney was contagious and I will miss his insight into the area".



Councillor Maddan's Thamesfield Ward colleague Councillor Mike Ryder, pictured above, said, "This is devastating news...Jim had been so ill, but I always hoped to the end that he would pull through. He was such a big man, in every sense of the word. I was deeply grateful to him for all his help and advice when I was first elected, and he had been such a great colleague to work with ever since. Whenever I walked down Putney high street with him, people would constantly come up to speak to him. I shall miss him more than I can say."

Putney MP Justine Greening, said: "“I had the pleasure to know Jim Madden since I first became an MP in Putney in 2005. I worked with Jim on lots of local issues and he was a fantastic local councillor and Mayor. Many people would have remembered him as a local inspector here in Putney and he had a particular interest in community policing. He had a very strong sense of public duty and, despite his recent poor health, had continued to serve the local community with dedication. I know that he will be very much missed by his family, friends and colleagues.”

As well as serving as Mayor this year Cllr Maddan had also occupied the role of the borough’s first citizen between 2006 and 2007 during which time he attended more than 700 official events. Before taking up the role for a second time in April, he had served as cabinet member for adult care and health, a position he held from 2008 onwards

He also chaired the borough’s health and wellbeing board and played a major role in the successful integration of public health services in the borough from the NHS to local government.

He also served as national chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch network in England & Wales and was actively involved with this crimefighting charity from 1992 onwards. It was in this crime prevention role that he also served on a number of Home Office committees dedicated to tackling and deterring crime.

He was a past President of The Rotary Club of Putney and an active Rotarian for more than 20 years.

In January 2015 Cllr Maddan was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour List in recognition of his services to policing and the community.

Those who knew and respected Jim may wish to know that his funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, Putney at 10.30am on Saturday 30 September. It will be followed by a private interment at Putney Vale.

September 27, 2017