Tributes Paid to Former Chelmsford Councillor Graham Pooley Following His Death
Tributes have been paid to former Chelmsford councillor Graham Pooley, who dedicated decades to public service and supporting vulnerable people across the city.
Chelmsford Liberal Democrats announced his death on Monday 26 October 2026, remembering a former colleague whose work encompassed housing, homelessness, planning and community welfare.
Mr Pooley first entered local government in 1995 and went on to represent several areas of Chelmsford during a political career spanning three decades.
He stepped down from Chelmsford City Council in 2025 because of ill health.
Three Decades of Service to Chelmsford
Graham Pooley was first elected to Chelmsford Borough Council in 1995, representing Broomfield, Pleshey and Great Waltham.
He later represented the Marconi ward between 2007 and 2011 before returning to the council in 2019 as a representative for Moulsham and Central.
Throughout his time in local government, he developed a particular interest in planning policy, affordable housing and homelessness.
He advocated greater community involvement in development proposals, supporting the use of masterplans to give residents opportunities to engage with plans affecting their neighbourhoods before individual planning applications were considered.
When the Liberal Democrats took control of Chelmsford City Council in 2019, Mr Pooley convened the Single Homeless Forum, bringing attention to the challenges facing people without secure accommodation.
He also became the inaugural chair of the council's Policy Board, serving from 2019 until 2021.
A Commitment to Helping Vulnerable People
Mr Pooley's work extended well beyond the council chamber.
In 2012, he established Helping Hands Essex, a charity supporting people recovering from addiction.
He was also a supporter of The Rucksack Project, now known as Cool to be Kind, and Sanctus Homeless Charity, organisations helping people experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough.
According to the Chelmsford Liberal Democrats' tribute, his involvement in these causes was shaped by personal experience and a determination to help people facing difficult circumstances.
His commitment to housing and homelessness issues became an important part of his contribution to Chelmsford's public life.
Council Leader Remembers a Personal Friend
Councillor Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrat leader of Chelmsford City Council, paid a personal tribute to Mr Pooley, describing him as both a dedicated representative and a family friend.
He recalled how Graham had welcomed him into the local Liberal Democrats after he moved to Chelmsford.
In one particularly touching memory, Councillor Robinson described how his young son had been delighted to discover that Graham owned a small boat on the River Chelmer.
When the boy asked whether he could go out on the river, Graham was happy to oblige.
Councillor Robinson remembered a man who took pleasure in making children happy and encouraged those around him to achieve more.
He said Graham was never content to settle for second best.
The council leader also expressed his condolences to Mr Pooley's children and grandchildren, saying that he would be greatly missed.
Fellow Councillor Pays Tribute to His Local Knowledge
Councillor Charlene Adutwim, who represents Moulsham and Central, also paid tribute to her former colleague.
She explained that she had first known Mr Pooley as her local councillor before being elected to serve alongside him in 2023.
She remembered his extensive knowledge of Chelmsford and his genuine passion for the people he represented.
Councillor Adutwim also highlighted his contribution to the council's Policy Board, which she now chairs.
Reflecting on his years of service, she said:
“His decades of service to Chelmsford leave a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed.”
Memorial Service at Chelmsford Cathedral
A memorial service for Graham Pooley is scheduled to take place at Chelmsford Cathedral on Saturday 14 November 2026 at 4pm.
The arrangements were announced by Chelmsford Liberal Democrats as part of their tribute.
The party has expressed its condolences to his family and friends and thanked him for his many years of dedicated service to Chelmsford.
Remembering Graham Pooley
From his first election in 1995 to his retirement from the council in 2025, Graham Pooley contributed to local government and charitable work across Chelmsford.
His involvement in homelessness support, addiction recovery and community planning reflected a longstanding concern for residents who needed assistance and a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
The tributes from those who knew and worked alongside him paint a picture of a knowledgeable, compassionate and determined public servant.
Chelmsford City Hub extends its sincere condolences to Graham Pooley's family, friends, former colleagues and everyone whose life was touched by his work.
Source: Chelmsford Liberal Democrats' tribute, published 26 October 2026.