Bailiff pays tribute to former deputy Pat Mellor

Mrs Mellor died in hospital last Thursday, aged 76.

Sir Richard McMahon told the States that her long-term nickname in the States was ‘pitbull’, as a testament to her uncompromising approach to politics.

Born in Guernsey, Mrs Mellor ran various pre-school businesses before getting involved in politics.

Her entry into the States in 1988 as a Vale deputy followed her leading a public campaign to protect the value of family allowances in Guernsey, which was under threat.

Her interest in children played a big role her politics as she served long stints as vice-president of both the Children Board and the Education Council.

With Deputy Jean Pritchard, they were the driving force in persuading the States to finance a women’s refuge.

They were also instrumental in persuading the States to reduce the homosexual age of consent. On the Education Council she was a constant campaigner for the removal of the 11-plus.

‘She did have a lesser success in at least ending the practice of girls needing a significantly higher 11-plus score than boys to go to either the Grammar School or the colleges,’ said Sir Richard. ‘Equality really does matter.’

In her final term she led the States Traffic Committee, and persuaded the States to introduce paid parking to fund the bus service, but that was never ultimately passed. She also led a requete on introducing death with dignity locally.

‘It is fair to say that Pat was a lady with firm beliefs who stuck to her principles. As a member, she had a hands-on approach to politics,’ said the Bailiff.

When she left the States, she moved to Cyprus with her husband Ken, before returning to Guernsey after he died to be closer to friends and family.

Former Guernsey Press editor Richard Digard described Mrs Mellor as a 'redoubtable individual and conviction politician'.

He said her committee's report on paid parking correctly identified the reasons behind town's problems – but the States then 'bottled' paid parking at 20p per hour.