A "Camden legend" who was honoured for his long service to the borough has died.

Over two stints, Roger Robinson served as a Camden Labour councillor for a record 38 years, and was mayor from 2001 to 2002.

Due to his long service, in latter years he was informally known as “the Father of the Chamber”.

He was made an honorary alderman of Camden in 2022.

Flick Rea with Roger Robinson, who were long serving Camden councillors, were both made Honorary Aldermen in 2022Roger Robinson (right) with Flick Rea. Both were long-serving Camden councillors and were made Honorary Aldermen in 2022 (Image: Camden Council)

Leading tributes, Camden Council leader Cllr Richard Olszewski said: “On behalf of Camden, I’d like to send my condolences to Roger’s family and friends, and all who knew him, at this sad time.

"Roger was truly a Camden institution - he was there at the very first meeting of Camden Council. He was absolutely dedicated to helping Camden residents – particularly those in his patch of Somers Town and St Pancras.

"It is rare for a councillor to be loved by their constituents but Roger achieved that by working day and night to stand up for their interests.

“He was a man of passion and principle. A staunch fighter against fascism and racism and a proud advocate for the rights of disabled people.

"Throughout his life he was a voice and campaigner for people facing disadvantage or hardship.

“Roger will never be forgotten by Camden. He’ll be greatly missed."

Cllr Robinson was first elected in 1964 as a councillor for St John’s ward, a role he held until 1978.

Following a break, he was re-elected in 1998 to the St Pancras ward and then to St Pancras and Somers Town until 2022.

During this time, among many responsibilities, he chaired the council's disability oversight panel and worked as a Camden Disability Champion.

In 2000, Roger was made an OBE for his work in the community and on disability issues.

Colleagues took to X to express their condolences.

Former mayor Cllr Nasim Ali said: "I was very saddened to hear about the death of Alderman Roger Robinson. Roger was such an amazing councillor for many decades for Camden.

"We will miss him dearly. My condolences to Maureen and family. May Roger rest in peace."

Cllr Jonathan Simpson said: "Saddened to hear that Roger Robinson, Camden legend and Alderman of the Borough, has passed away.

"Roger served as a councillor for decades and was held in high regard across the borough. Sending love to his entire family. May his memory be a blessing."

Cllr Nadia Shah said his death was "very sad" adding: "So many years of service for the good of others. May he rest in peace and sending love to his family during this difficult time."

Cllr Edmund Frondigoun said: "Labour stalwart & warrior for people of Camden, from the rent strikes of the 1950s to the austerity of the 2010s and 20s. A man of deep principle beloved by many; Tyhoughts are with his family, in particular his wife Maureen."