Martin's attention to the details of the scrutiny reports before the Commission and his thorough and effective questioning of Council officers made him a favourite with everyone. Always well prepared, thoroughly researched, and seemingly on first name terms with everyone, he set the standard for an effective scrutineer.
His day job was running Age Concern Westminster and it was through this that he became an authority within the Council on Adult Social Care. We often hear about so-called "compassionate Conservatism", but he was the only example I could readily cite who embodied those implicit principles. When he spoke on Council policy in his area of expertise I trusted his judgement. Indeed I cannot think of another individual from another party who I would so instinctively trust.
We served together for two years on the Council Executive. Friday mornings meant a breakfast meeting at 8.00am, an unnaturally early hour for me. Martin rarely changed his demeanour. Even at that hour he retained an infectious sense of humour and his trademark thoroughness meant that he had mastered his brief and could intelligently comment on others' papers too.
Martin was always well dressed. Most people probably saw him in his well cut suits at meetings, but even when he was wearing his occasional "dress-down Friday" jeans and T-shirts he still looked smart, probably because his clothes fitted properly and looked freshly laundered.
In more recent times he made himself available to attend Health Scrutiny meetings and welcomed questions from committee members. He was always a confident speaker in meetings, largely I believe, because he was so well-organised.
I have no doubt that Martin, like the rest of us, had his moments of wild excess. Others who knew him socially might feel free to fill in the details in their tributes, but what I find most shocking is that someone so apparently fit has been taken away from us in such an unexpected way.
His last public duty on the Council was to speak, as the new Conservative Group leader, in support of the election of the new Mayor. It was an affectionate and warm speech, just as you would expect from such a polished performer.
His sudden death has touched many across Camden, from all parties, from all communities. He was much loved and well respected as his huge personal vote in this year's elections testifies.
We have lost one of the good ones, a genuine public servant.
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