Jonathan Driver was a former Lambeth Conservative Councillor

Former Lambeth Conservative Councillor Jonathan Driver, who has died aged 41, was the current Mayor of Croydon and worked in the day as a history teacher and cricket umpire at Emanuel School Wandsworth.  He was found dead at his home by police who forced entry into his home on New Year’s Eve after relatives became concerned.

Councillor Driver served as an elected member for Knights Hill Ward from 1994-1998 and after moving house to Croydon seven years ago stood for Croydon Council in 2006.  When elected as Mayor of Croydon in 2008, Councillor Driver became Croydon’s youngest ever Mayor at the age of 40. He was unmarried.

Councillor John Whelan, Conservative Group Leader of Lambeth Council, said:  “Former Councillor Driver was a larger than life figure and very popular with elected members from all parties.  He made a big impact on the local community in Lambeth in his mayoral year.

“We remember Jonathan for his bluff Yorkshire sense of humour, the twinkle in his eye, and his love of cricket and general knowledge quizzes at which he excelled.  His love of learning conveyed itself to his students and he will be missed by the many young people who benefited from his wisdom and robust teaching methods.”