Tributes have been paid to Reform UK councillor Arty Hume, who represented Amble on Northumberland County Council, following his death aged 71.
Northumberland County Council confirmed the death of its serving councillor, while a statement issued by his family said he died on Wednesday 29 July 2026.
Councillor Hume leaves behind his wife Michele and son Adam. Tributes also recalled his affection for his beloved cats.
A life of public service
Arty Hume lived in Amble throughout his life and followed several different callings before entering elected office.
He first worked as an electrician in the mining industry and later served as a police officer. His family said he also worked for a time at Kens Autoparts, as a swimming-pool attendant and occasionally as a pall-bearer.
He was also a long-serving part-time steward at Newcastle United, a role in which his family said he took immense pride.
Those who knew him described a humble, polite and respectful man who cared deeply about his home town. His family said he lived in a bungalow that he had designed and built himself.
Serving the people of Amble
Mr Hume was elected as the Reform UK county councillor for Amble in May 2025. He received 514 votes, taking 44.4 per cent of the vote and defeating Labour and Co-operative candidate Terry Clark by 69 votes.
During his time on Northumberland County Council, he served on a number of bodies including the North Planning Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and Staff and Appointments Committee. He also represented the council on Amble Development Trust and the Northumbria Police and Crime Panel.
Although his period in elected office was brief, tributes said he had worked hard for residents and was widely known and respected across Amble.
Tributes from colleagues
Rick Baker, leader of the Reform UK group on Northumberland County Council, described Councillor Hume as the "compassionate heart of our group" and said colleagues were deeply shocked and saddened by his death.
The family statement said he was well liked across party lines, reflecting the respect he had earned from fellow councillors as well as the community he represented.
Our thoughts are with Michele, Adam, Councillor Hume's wider family, his friends, council colleagues and everyone in Amble who knew him.