Tributes to South Norfolk's Julian Halls and Tony Palmer

Julian Halls, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Wymondham, and Anthony Palmer, a former councillor for Diss, have died. 

Friends and colleagues at South Norfolk Council (SNC) paid tribute to the pair at a meeting earlier this week. 

Mr Halls, who had been a councillor since May 2019, died on July 18, following a “short illness”. 

Julian Halls, councillor for Wymondham South Ward (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Mr Palmer, who was a member of SNC between 2007 and 2019, died at home on June 29 aged 87.  

Announcing Mr Halls' death, SNC chairman James Easter, said: “I was extremely shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of the liberal Democrat district councillor for South Wymondham, Julian Halls. 

“I consider him to be a very good friend.” 

Chris Brown, the leader of the Lib Dem group said: “Everyone who knew Julian will be sad at his passing, and it was a shock that only two months ago he was in this room with us. 

“Julian, for those of us who knew him behind the scheme, he was caring, funny, challenging but always very eager to do something for his community and South Norfolk.” 

Lib Dem councillor wore a yellow ribbon and a star to the meeting in his honour, acknowledging Mr Halls' keen interest in astronomy. 

Tony Palmer, former Diss district and town councillor (Image: Newsquest/ Angela Sharpe)

Graham Minshull, cabinet member for supporting people, led the tributes to Mr Palmer. 

He said: “Tony was a former colleague and also a very good friend, he will be sorely missed. 

“Diss will be a poorer place for losing such a local champion."

Mr Minshull said Mr Palmer had a varied career and had previously served on a council in Johannesburg in Africa before he retired in Norfolk.  

As well as being a member of SNC, he also served as the mayor of Diss on the town council.