Hounslow honors veteran and councillor John Howliston
The Hounslow community is mourning the loss of former Councillor John Howliston, a dedicated public servant and Korean War veteran who passed away on 2 April 2026 at the age of 92. Known for his steadfast commitment to the Bedfont area and his advocacy for young people, Mr Howliston’s death marks the end of a life defined by service both on the battlefield and within the local council chambers.
To honor his memory, Hounslow Council has placed a black ribbon around the municipal flag at the main reception of Hounslow House. This traditional gesture of respect precedes a formal tribute planned for the next full Council meeting, where colleagues from across the political spectrum are expected to reflect on his decade of civic duty.
Ten years of civic dedication in Bedfont
John Howliston first entered local politics through a by-election in the East Bedfont ward in 2000. His initial two-year term laid the groundwork for a more extensive period of service, as he went on to represent the Bedfont ward for an additional eight years, concluding his formal council career in 2010. During this decade, he became a familiar face in the borough, representing the Liberal Democrats with a focus on localized community improvements.
His work within the council was characterized by his presence on several high-stakes committees. Mr Howliston served on the Confidential Cases Sub-Committee and the Standards Committee, roles that required a high degree of integrity and discretion. His influence also extended to the West Area Committee and the Licensing Committee, where he helped shape the local environment and regulatory landscape of the borough.
One of his most significant contributions was his work with the Corporate Parenting Panel and the Adoption and Permanence Panel. These roles allowed him to turn his passion for youth services into practical policy, ensuring that the most vulnerable children in Hounslow received the attention and resources they required. Colleagues remember him as a persistent advocate for investment in youth facilities, arguing that supporting the next generation was a fundamental duty of local government.
Recognition for Korean War service and professional life
Before his time in the council house, John Howliston served his country during the Korean War. His military service was of such distinction that he received official honors from the United Nations. This background in the armed forces often informed his disciplined approach to civic duties and his deep sense of national and local pride.
In his professional life, Mr Howliston was a qualified surveyor, a career that provided him with a technical understanding of land use and development that proved invaluable during his time on council committees. Even after his retirement from professional surveying and local politics, he remained a tireless volunteer for organizations that define the social fabric of Feltham and Bedfont.
His involvement with MENCAP demonstrated his commitment to supporting residents with learning disabilities, while his work with the Fairtrade Campaign highlighted his interest in global ethical standards. Locally, he was a key figure in the Feltham and Bedfont Carnival, an event that brings thousands of residents together annually. He also served on the Bedfont Lakes Country Park Trust Fund Panel, helping to preserve one of the borough’s most vital green spaces for future generations.
Official tributes and lasting community impact
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, expressed the collective sadness of the local authority following the news. He noted that Mr Howliston’s dedication to public service, spanning both his military career and his time as a civic leader, would not be forgotten. The Leader specifically highlighted the lasting impact of Mr Howliston’s work in improving services for young people across Hounslow.
Mr Howliston also represented the Council on the David Henry Waring Home Committee, further cementing his role as a bridge between the local government and community-run institutions. His ability to navigate the complexities of local government while maintaining a hands-on approach to charity work made him a respected figure among residents and fellow politicians alike.
The upcoming full Council meeting will provide a platform for formal eulogies, allowing those who worked alongside him to share personal accounts of his tenure. For now, the black ribbon at Hounslow House serves as a quiet reminder of a man who spent the majority of his 92 years working for the benefit of others.
Source: London Borough of Hounslow
