Passionate socialist and former deputy leader of Southwark council, Les Alden, dies aged 76

A former town hall deputy leader, who was made an MBE for his 40 years of service to his borough, has died aged 76.

Les Alden, who passed away on January 8, became a Freeman of the City of London and of Southwark.

Mr Alden, pictured above, was born on September 5, 1943 to Jim and Elsie Alden  and went to Oliver Goldsmith school – then Alleyn’s School, Dulwich.

He read chemistry at King’s College, London and worked for Distillers Epsom, South Eastern Gas board and Lambeth council.

He joined the Labour Party on his 16th birthday, when the agent came round to collect his dad’s subscription – and was an active member 61 years.

He was elected to Southwark’s St Giles ward, Camberwell in 1971, serving nearly 25 years until 1994 as a councillor, continuiong as a Freeman of the Borough until he moved to Shoreham in 2015.

Mr Alden served as Southwark’s chairman of social services, chief whip and deputy leader.

He was passionate about the support needed for vulnerable children and the quality of care for the elderly. This carried on after his council work when Age Concern appointed him as an inspector of old people’s homes in the borough.

Mr Alden had very high standards and with dogged determination ensured that many of the care homes improved their standards.

He was a member of the Civic Association and Juror on the City of London Guidable Manor of the Town and Borough of Southwark.

He also served as a school governor for 15 years at St Mary Magdalene Church of England School. Peckham.

His charity work included being the main fundraiser for People Care Association (Southwark), a voluntary organisation which provides Christmas dinner for lonely people in the borough – he also organised all the guests.

Mr Alden supported its work for 40 years and became secretary, then treasurer.

He also supported Cambridge House and the voluntary sector in Southwark and was working with the charity right up until he died.

He organised and participated in the Camberwell Children’s Holiday scheme, taking more than 60 children nominated by Southwark schools who would otherwise not have a holiday.

He was a member of the London and Southwark Diocesan Housing Association, which found homes for vulnerable people.

Mr Alden Les was also a trustee for many years of the St Giles Trust and had been associated with the St Giles Church, Camberwell, all his life.

He was baptised and married there and a member of the choir from 1960, being invited to take part in the first Songs Of Praise broadcast from there. He remained a member of the choir until he left for Shoreham in 2015.

Mr Alden was one of the youngest members to be elected to the parish church council, and served as churchwarden, deanery and diocesan synod rep from 1963 until leaving London.

He and Fr Rodney, then vicar of St Giles, restored the crypt, promoting jazz every Friday night for 25 years, raising many thousands of pounds for the church – but also being a successful and respected venue on the jazz scene.

He was the licensee, running the bar for more than 20 years, and supported local artists and their exhibitions

In Shoreham, Mr Alden was an election agent, helping Labour gain five seats on Worthing borough council.

As leader of the opposition on Adur district council, his great passion was arguing persistently for social housing.

Adur Labour Group leader, Cllr Lee Cowen, said: “Les was someone who passionately believed in Labour Party values, like no one I’ve ever met before.

“Socialism was in his core and he dedicated his life to public service. On a personal level he was my mentor and someone who believed in me. I will miss him greatly. Rest in peace my friend.”

Mr Alden married the Rev Pat Alden in December 1966 and the couple had two children.

His funeral was at St Nicolas Church, Old Shoreham, on January 23.