NEWLY inducted Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke tabled a parliamentary motion to pay her respects to the late former Mayor of Glastonbury.

Alan Gloak MBE was born in 1942 and was known as an active Liberal Democrat party member and former councillor in the Wells Local Party in Somerset.

A well-respected Somerset resident for many years, Alan was known for his contribution to gay rights, the struggle for liberation, and equality and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ communities.

Passing away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 81, Alan was one of the first people in the country to marry in a same-sex marriage when the law was changed.

Alan was Mayor of Glastonbury Town Council from 2003-2004 and was later awarded an MBE in 2010 for his services to Local Government.

Sarah Dyke MP believes Alan was a pioneer for the LGBTQ+ community and had a lot of respect for the former councillor and Mayor.

Sarah said: “I was delighted to be able to table this parliamentary motion to remember the life of Alan Gloak MBE and the contribution he made to his community.

“Alan played a massive role in making Somerset a better place for everyone who calls this part of the world home, and his legacy continues.

“I am glad his contributions to society are now formally recognised in this parliamentary notion. His life was a life well lived.”