Flick Rea, a formidable figure in Camden local politics who served as a councillor for 35 years and twice led the Liberal Democrat group, has died at the age of 88. Her son, Tom Rea, confirmed her passing.
Political Career and Achievements
Rea represented the Fortune Green ward continuously from 1986, winning nine consecutive elections on the back of a substantial personal following. She was leader of the Liberal and later Liberal Democrat group on Camden council from the late 1980s to 2005, and again from 2014 to 2020. Under her leadership, the party grew from a handful of seats to become the largest on the council in 2006. She also served as cabinet member for culture and sport for four years, overseeing Camden's contribution to the London Olympics.
On her retirement in 2021, the local press hailed her as the 'Queen of West Hampstead'. Her dedication to public service extended beyond party politics: she co-founded a community transport pressure group, served on the boards of the London Arts Council and Hampstead theatre, worked for the Pedestrians Association, and was a trustee of the Charles Dickens Museum.
Early Life and Theatrical Career
Born Felicity Corbin in Tiverton, Devon, she was the only child of Eustace Corbin, a teacher, and his wife Phyllis (née Brabner). She grew up in Taunton, Somerset, and attended Weirfield school. From an early age, she wanted to work in theatre and after school attended Rada, graduating in 1958. She performed under the name Felicity Peel, with bit parts in The Avengers and the film A Kind of Loving (1962). She met her husband, Charles Rea, a fellow actor, in 1959 in a production of Love from a Stranger at the Bristol Hippodrome. After marrying in 1962, she gave up her theatrical career to raise their children.
Entry into Politics
In the 1970s, Rea became involved in local politics almost by accident, inspired by a growing interest in improving public transport. She later said: 'I never wanted to try to save the world. I just wanted to get a bus stop erected.' She joined the Liberal party, transforming and energising its West Hampstead branch with her own brand of 'pavement politics' – fighting to get things done for her local community. She was elected as a councillor in 1986.
Her theatrical style in the council chamber – blending charm, wit and occasional withering put-downs – won her many admirers, even among political foes. In 2013, she was appointed MBE and became an alderman of Camden in 2024.
Personal Life and Legacy
Charles died in 1992. She is survived by their children, Kate and Tom, and five grandchildren. Tom Rea remembered her 'warmth, wit and wisdom, usually delivered over a glass of whisky and a cigarette.'
