Former mayor to step down from county’s fire authority

Ken Knight, who served as Doncaster’s Civic Mayor, retired as councillor for Hatfield at last week’s elections and had joined the body which oversees brigade work in June 2006.

Mr Knight was involved in negotiations with the Fire Brigades Union during a bitter dispute over changes to shift times, which led to a series of walkouts in late 2009 and early 2010.

He described the role yesterday as “one of the most enjoyable” of his recent career and said he had relished being Doncaster’s representative on the authority.

Mr Knight held a variety of roles including chairman of the Audit Committee and was a member of the group which provides strategic direction to the chief fire officer and their executive team.

The 67-year-old said: “My time on the authority has been both rewarding and challenging.

“One of the highlights was working with the workforce representatives and the chief fire officer during the shift patterns industrial relations dispute as it was very satisfying to reach an amicable conclusion that benefited both the fire and rescue service and the communities of South Yorkshire.

“My philosophy has always been ‘good teams win games’ and this was an excellent example of just that.

“Looking to the future, I will still be very active in public life, and welcome the opportunity to use my skills to serve the community of Doncaster on a voluntary basis.”

Mr Knight will continue as agent for Don Valley MP Caroline Flint, who he has worked with since her election in 1997.

The keen gardener said he will also be spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren, following his retirement.

South Yorkshire Fire Authority chairman and Barnsley councillor Jim Andrews said: “Ken was an extremely committed and hard-working member of the Fire Authority.

“His leadership and political experience was valued and his contribution was significant.

“There is no doubt he will be sadly missed, but we wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”