Tributes to man who clashed with Maxwell

Published on Tuesday 29 September 2009 22:23

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former councillor who hit the headlines for opposing the infamous newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell.

Cornelius Waugh, a former leader of the Conservative group on Edinburgh District Council, died of cancer at the age of 71.

Former political colleagues described him as an inspiration, while teammates at Leith Cricket Club, where he was president, praised his relentless determination and hard work.

Mr Waugh entered politics at the age of 31, having been chosen as the Progressive candidate for the South Leith ward in 1969.

It was in October 1986 that he clashed with Maxwell – Mr Waugh was as vice-chairman of that year's Commonwealth Games committee and the Mirror Group boss was chairman.

Mr Waugh resigned after receiving an abusive letter from Maxwell, whom he accused of posing as the saviour of the troubled Edinburgh Games, gaining huge personal publicity yet not contributing many finances to the cause. At the time, Mr Waugh described the letter as "bully boy" in style and said: "It was an attempt at character assassination. At the end of the day, there is no way I could work with Mr Maxwell or would wish to."

Former Tory group colleague Allan Jackson said: "He was a character and a half – a man with a great sense of humour. He tried his best to get on with everyone and was respected across the political divide. He was a great guy who will be sadly missed."

A service for Mr Waugh will be held at 12pm on Friday at St Mary's Star of the Sea Church, in Constitution Street, Leith.