A SERVING Bournemouth councillor has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Cllr Brian George Castle, who was one of three ward councillors for the Muscliff and Strouden Park area, has died. 

BCP Council said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Brian Castle. We would ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this time.” 

Brian was elected as an independent BCP councillor at last year’s local elections, alongside Kieron Wilson and Lisa Northover. 

Kieron Wilson, fellow ward councillor of Brian’s and cabinet member for housing, said he was “heartbroken” at Brian’s death. 

He said: “He was such a lovely, genuine human being. Our thoughts are with his wife Gemma, and his little boy Benjamin, who he loved dearly and was so loved by.” 

BCP flag flying at half mast for Cllr Brian CastleBCP flag flying at half mast for Cllr Brian Castle (Image: Daily Echo)

Graham Farrant, chief executive of BCP Council, said: “We are all very saddened to hear of the death of Councillor Brian Castle.  

“He was a relatively new councillor, elected to office in May 2023 and represented the Muscliff and Strouden Park ward, serving on the audit and governance committee and the licensing committee. 

“The BCP Council flag is being flown at half-mast at the Civic Centre, as a mark of respect, and he will be remembered at the next council meeting.

“We would ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this time.”

Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: “I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Brian Castle, councillor fort Muscliff and Strouden Park. 

“Brian served his community with diligence and loyalty. I offer my condolences to his family, his colleagues and all who loved him.” 

Former council leader Vikki Slade added: "So very sad. Brian was only elected in 2023 but he was keen to learn and a champion for his community.

"I only messaged his wife a week or so ago about housing support with no idea this would come so soon. My heart goes out to Gemma, his son and wider family."

Cllr Castle was first elected to BCP Council in May 2023 when he won 1,058 votes, knocking long-standing Conservative councillor Derek Borthwick out of a seat.

BCP Council is now expected to call a by-election following Cllr Castle’s death. 

A fundraiser set up for Cllr Castle said he died of pancreatic cancer.

He has worked for the Royal Mail Group for more than 18 years, including 16 years at Parcelforce Worldwide and years years in Royal Mail.

A member of the Communication Workers Union, he became at rep in the Poole depot in 2008.

The Just Giving page said: "He strived to improve peoples lives and working conditions in the two very important positions he held.

"It's now time for us to show Brian our gratitude for the service he has given."

Throop and Holdenhurst Village Parish Council said: "The Parish Council sends deepest condolences to the family and friends of ward councillor Brian Castle who sadly lost his battle with cancer. "