Michael Cartwright unveils the Capability Brown Statue

The Hammersmith Society very much regrets the recent death of Alderman Michael Cartwright, Councillor for Hammersmith Broadway ward from 1992 to 2018, Deputy Leader 2014-2018, and Mayor 2017-2018.

A diligent public servant, Mike became Deputy Leader of the Council in 2014, leading the Administration to introduce the largest number of Council-funded police in the Borough’s history. 

While chair of the Association of London Government’s Transport and Environment Committee, he was key to saving and expanding the London Freedom Pass – an invaluable benefit for older residents.

Mike was also a local magistrate for thirteen years, becoming Chair of the Bench. He was instrumental in a series of measures to support women dealing with domestic violence.

He was governor of three borough schools – Flora Gardens Primary School,  Sacred Heart School and Larmenier and Sacred Heart Primary School, chaired Mortlake Crematorium Board, and served on the Western Riverside Waste Authority.

This Society came to know him best as a longstanding member of the Council’s Planning Committee. As a Chartered Surveyor he was not only expert but trenchant and perceptive. Combined with long experience, his qualities made him a formidable force on the committee. We were honoured that he should unveil the Capability Brown Statue in one of his first Mayoral duties, in May 2017.

With grace and good humour Michael Cartwright flourished as Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham in his final year as a Councillor. Such was his stature, in 2019 he was given the honour of Freedom of the Borough, its highest civic distinction, and was made an Alderman following a unanimous vote of thanks by all the Borough’s councillors – an honour which meant a lot to him.

A rock for colleagues, wise, witty and kind, he made a huge contribution to the wellbeing of others in a life of public service.