Nottingham City Councillor who divided opinion with his forceful character

Controversial Nottingham councillor Michael Cowan died at the age of 73 on 12 June, 2008, after a long fight with lung cancer.

Coun Cowan - who had been a city councillor for almost 40 years and lived in Lenton - had been battling the disease and was admitted to Nottingham City Hospital two weeks previously.

In May Coun Cowan was elected as leader of the Conservative Group on Nottingham City Council. However, for a large part of his political career he represented the Labour Party.

Coun Cowan, who was unmarried, was both respected and disliked during 37 years in local politics. He had a brilliant mind and was recognised as an expert in local government finance. But he was also an abrasive character, who made enemies easily.

Coun Cowan came to Notts in the 1960s. His first job was as a lecturer at the North Notts College at Worksop, before taking up a post at the new Trent Polytechnic. He was first elected to the old Nottingham Council in 1971, to represent Wollaton.

With the reorganisation of local Government in 1974, Coun Cowan won a seat at Wollaton for Notts County Council. He became the first chairman of the powerful finance committee at the new authority.

Coun Cowan did stand for Parliament in a by-election in Ashfield in 1977. It should have been a safe Labour seat but Coun Cowan was defeated. It was a painful blow.

Following further reorganisation of local government in 1998, Coun Cowan represented Wollaton West for Labour before he dramatically crossed the floor to join the Conservatives a year later.

He already had a stormy relationship with Labour members and some were not sorry to see him go. During a decade in opposition tensions turned to animosity. But despite their differences, Labour members always recognised his talent, even if they often claimed not to approve of his methods.

Wollaton West Councillor Georgina Culley said: "Michael was a committed politician who worked hard to serve both Nottingham City and the people of Wollaton and will be greatly missed.

"On a personal level I shall miss him greatly as a friend and a ward colleague. He was totally committed to helping people. He did ruffle feathers when he challenged people, and people often don't like being challenged.

"He would challenge people in his own party, other parties, and officers. That sometimes does not go well. He was a brilliant politician, he should have been an MP."

Coun Jon Collins, Labour leader of Nottingham City Council, said: "I was sad to hear of his death. In many respects he was an individual of great capability and a difficult political opponent.

"In some ways he was perhaps a flawed character who could be brutal and difficult at one moment and immensely charming and good company the next. Love him or hate him he will be missed."

Dr Lawrence Alger, Chairman of Nottingham Conservatives, said: "Michael is one of the best politicians I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He will be greatly missed by myself and Nottingham Conservatives. Our thoughts our with Michael's friends and family at this sad time."

Gerald Davie, Bulwell Forest Tory Councillor, said: "He was his own man. He spoke his mind. I think he will be remembered as being a forceful character."