Sir Simon Milton, 1961-2011

It is with a mixture of sadness and pride that we mark the 10th anniversary of the man who inspired so many, Sir Simon Milton, who died far too young on 11th April 2011, aged just 49.

Among his many achievements Simon was Leader of Westminster City Council for a record-breaking tenure from 2000-08 and Deputy Mayor of London from 2008-11. He was knighted in the New Year’s honours list in 2006. But it was the person who was respected, admired and held in such affection across the entire political spectrum for his grasp of strategy, his quiet effectiveness, mischievous humour, modesty, integrity and warmth.

Simon’s knighthood was in recognition of his pioneering ‘One City’ vision and the role he played in leading a grieving city past its pain and mistrust in the aftermath of the 7th July 2005 bombings in London. The ‘One City’ initiative was founded on his firm belief that a place is truly the sum of its parts. Whether it is in providing young people with education, jobs and training, ensuring that older people are fully integrated into their communities, or creating a built environment that complements the city around it, no stone was left unturned in realising his ideas.

Following his premature death, his family, friends and colleagues were proud to establish a charity in his name, the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, to continue delivering Simon’s vision of a caring city that offers opportunity for all. It will be our 10th anniversary next year, when we will celebrate all that we have achieved in his name.

“Sir Simon Milton was perhaps the most interesting, quietly principled and far-sighted politician of his generation. Millions of Londoners will lead better and richer lives because of his life of unstinting duty and service."

Peter Oborne, political journalist