Former Hounslow Council Leader Dave Wetzel dies

Image: Dave Wetzel; Photograph Bishopsgate Institute

Architect of the GLC’s ‘Fares Fair’ policy

Dave Wetzel, an influential figure in London’s politics and the former Leader of Hounslow Council, has died at the age of 82. His career, spanning more than four decades, was marked by significant contributions to local government and public transport in the capital.

Born in 1942, Dave Wetzel received his education at Southall Technical College, Ealing College, and the Henry George School of Social Sciences. He began his working life as a bus conductor before moving into the role of political organiser for the London Co-operative Society between 1974 and 1981.

He served as a Labour councillor for Hounslow from 1964 to 1968, and again from 1986 to 1994, and was Leader of Hounslow Council from 1987 to 1991.

His name became known nationally when he was elected to the Greater London Council (GLC) as the member for Hammersmith & Fulham in 1981, where he chaired the Transport Committee until the GLC’s abolition in 1986. With GLC Leader Ken Livingstone, he introduced the ‘Fares Fair’ policy of low public transport fares, which contributed to Labour’s 1981 GLC election victory, sparking a titanic struggle with Margaret Thatcher’s government.

The popular policy, which made travel by public transport much cheaper, was eventually overruled by the ‘Law Lords’, senior judges sitting in the House of Lords, leading to a significant increase in fares. Despite this setback, the introduction of the new fare structure and the travel card resulted in a 10% drop in car usage in London, a 44% increase in tube travel, and a 14% rise in bus travel.

Dave Wetzel’s advocacy for affordable public transport and the GLC leadership’s clashes with the Tory government of Margaret Thatcher were significant factors in the eventual abolition of the GLC and the Inner London Education Authority.

Image: Dave Wetzel campaigning with Hounslow Green Party

“Dave played a role in building the foundations of Hounslow Council” – Cllr Shantanu Rajawat

In the early 2000s, Dave held key positions in Transport for London, including Vice Chair from 2000 to 2008 and Chair of London Buses from 2000 to 2001. His impact on London’s transport infrastructure was profound and lasting.

Outside his political roles, Dave was an active campaigner for land value taxation, serving as President of the Labour Land Campaign since 1982. He was also the President of the West London Peace Council from 1982 to 1994 and stood as a Labour candidate for Parliament in Richmond upon Thames in 1979. In 2014, Dave joined the Green Party in Hounslow and supported a number of their campaigns.

Following his departure from public office, Dave continued his advocacy through the Transforming Communities Consultancy, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and international speaker since 2008.

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, current Leader of Hounslow Council, led tributes from Council members, saying:

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dave last week – my thoughts are with his family and friends.

“With a career in public service spanning more than forty years, Dave played a role in building the foundations of Hounslow Council when it was created in 1964. He was the embodiment of what public service should be.  ”

To honour his memory, Hounslow Council will pay tribute to Dave Wetzel at their September Council meeting, and a black ribbon has been placed around the council flag at Hounslow House.