MARIE King-Hele, a former leader of Waverley Borough Council and long-time stalwart of the Liberal Democrats and Farnham community, has died aged 86.

Born in Southampton on September 5, 1930, to parents Cecilia and Wilfred Newman, Marie was the first of five siblings, preceding brothers Cyril, John, Anthony and George.

She spent her early childhood in Seaford, East Sussex, attending Annecy RC Convent School from September 1935 until the outbreak of the Second World War and threat of invasion forced the family to relocate.

Following short spells in the New Forest, Torquay and Stratford upon Avon, they eventually settled on the Isle of Arran in Scotland in 1942, where they lived for some time with no electricity and only oil lamps for light.

Marie later went to Holy Trinity Convent at Kidderminster and, having graduated in history, embarked on a teaching career - later teaching history for many years at Alton Convent School.

She met her future husband Dr Desmond King-Hele in Seaford and - after Desmond’s job at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough brought them to Farnham - they married at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Tilford Road on August 31, 1954.

The couple’s first daughter Carole was born in 1957 followed by Sonia in 1959.

Marie launched her career in local politics in 1971 when she was elected to represent Castle Ward on the former Farnham Urban District Council, and was soon embroiled in the early stages of the East Street saga.

She continued to serve on Waverley District Council following the 1972 Local Government Act reorganisation, and latterly the borough council until 2002, serving four years as leader and chairman of policy.

Elected as a Surrey county councillor in 1981 as one of only three Liberals, she served as chairman of the policy sub-committee, education and housing committees at county level, before finally retiring from politics in 2005.

In addition, she was chairman of Farnham College Governors for 10 years and a governor of other local schools, was instrumental in setting up the Warehouse youth project, was the first chairman of Farnham Voluntary Service Council, and in the cause of local democracy, played a leading role in the campaign for a town council for Farnham.

In a letter to The Herald, published in full on page 15 of this week’s paper, Marie’s long time Lib Dem confidant Michael Blower recalled fondly his colleague’s finest hour following her party’s success in the 1992 borough elections.

He said: “The next day we proudly assembled in Godalming’s Waverley Borough Council offices. Marie King-Hele was unanimously elected group leader and with a one-vote majority Marie became council leader as well.

“There was nothing small about her. She had vision, ideas and plans. Her zeal and disinterested ideals soon enlisted attention and…in this way the Liberal Democrats carried through a challenging programme based on Marie’s sound leadership and teamwork.

“I loved all things in which Marie King-Hele believed and fought so valiantly to achieve. I know I speak for many people in Farnham and Surrey when I say ‘Thank you and well done, Marie’.”

John Wootton, the former Mayor of Waverley and another long-time colleague, added: “Marie, who was also a Surrey county councillor for Farnham for many years, was dedicated to serving those whom she represented and to furthering several causes that she supported.

“As with any elected body, testing issues came along, sometimes in quick succession. It is not easy to keep a group of 30 councillors (from whatever party) ‘singing from the same song sheet’ but Marie did so admirably.

“She gave members of the group confidence in themselves and so good things were achieved.”

Marie died peacefully on December 4 after a short illness at Waverley Grange Nursing Home and is survived by her daughters Carole and Sonia, husband Desmond and brother George.

A family funeral is to be held before Christmas, but it is hoped an occasion to celebrate Marie’s life will take place in the new year.

Any enquiries or donations, if desired, to the National Autistic Society can be directed to Thorne-Leggett, 8-10 The Street, Wrecclesham (01252 715520).

Paul Wenham, executive director of Waverley Borough Council, said: “Marie King-Hele served the residents of Waverley for 30 years (1973 until 2003) and was Waverley’s longest serving councillor. 

“On Waverley council she served as leader of the council from 1991 to 1995 and was also chairman of the housing, policy and western area committees.

“She was passionate about Waverley and a strong advocate for council housing.”