The Home Secretary Amber Rudd has praised the dedication of long-serving Purbrook Councillor Gwen Blackett in the House of Commons.

Cllr Blackett retires this May after serving continuously on the council for 45 years, having been first elected in 1973.

Speaking at Women’s and Equalities Questions in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary was responding to a question from Havant MP Alan Mak on boosting female participation in politics. Replying the Home Secretary said more needed to be done, as well as praising the female members of Havant Borough Council.

Cllr Blackett has been a stalwart of Havant Conservative Association over the years and this milestone is truly remarkable. 

She will be deeply missed in the Council by her colleagues and will be a big loss to the residents of Purbrook. 

All of us at Havant Conservative Association wish Cllr Blackett well for the future.