Steven Broomhead is chief executive of Warrington Borough Council.

In this column, he remembers his friend Lord Doug Hoyle who sadly died last weekend aged 98.

For over 30 years it was my pleasure and honour to know Doug (as he liked to be described), as a friend, fellow Board member of the Warrington Wolves and as an inspiration to others and myself.

Doug was a very knowledgeable person and he was a superb tactician in the unforgiving world of politics.  Doug was very driven by the sense that fairness and inclusion should always prevail.  He was formidable and did not suffer fools gladly but he would always respect them.  However, although he had differences of view with political opponents, he always respected the fact that in a democratic society it was vital that differences should be promoted and celebrated.  He was never knowingly misunderstood.

Warrington Guardian:

Doug worked tirelessly for our town promoting us nationally and internationally.  He was the driving force in the pursuit of better times for the Wire in the mid-1990s.  This cumulated in a new stadium in 2003, together with a revitalisation of the performance and investment in  the squad.  He described leading the team out at Wembley in 2009 to win the Challenge Cup as one of his greatest achievements as Chairman.

Doug was appalled regarding the Bridge Street bombing in 1993 and was one of the first to arrive on the scene.  Typical of Doug.  He then lead the partnership Peace Campaign response and was instrumental in raising funds for the building of the Peace Centre.

Doug was always approachable and was always there to offer a listening ear.  He was loyal to the town and in the latter years, worried about who would lay his wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.   Although a member of the House of Lords, he always wanted to be visible and accessible.

Doug was always prepared to raise unpopular issues and challenge the “establishment” whilst at the same time being realistic about change and the resource implications of solutions. 

Above all, Doug was a friend who gave succinct and relevant advice.    He was a master of candour and jovial directness.

I visited Doug a few days before his death and thanked him for being a great friend.   Doug was even a greater friend to all of us.  You will be greatly missed.  RIP.