Respected Tory councillor found dead in drug dealer's house
- Les Winwood, a senior Tory politician, was found dead in the early hours of July 17, 2022.
- His death occurred at the residence of Keith Kennedy, a convicted crack cocaine dealer, who called emergency services.
- Investigations revealed drugs were present at the site, and Winwood was forensically linked to them, leading to discussions on the impact of drug use among public figures.
In the early hours of July 17, 2022, Les Winwood, a senior Conservative councillor and former mayor of Bridgnorth, was found dead at the home of convicted drug dealer Keith Kennedy in Bilston, West Midlands, England. Winwood, who was 67, had a long-standing political career, serving for over 40 years in various capacities within local government. The circumstances surrounding his death raised significant questions, particularly because he was discovered in a known crack cocaine den, which indicated potential connections to drug use. Keith Kennedy had previously been sentenced to two years in prison for supplying cocaine. After Winwood’s death, it was revealed that Kennedy called emergency services, but not before attempting to remove evidence of drug use from the scene. Police investigation uncovered drugs and paraphernalia, with Winwood being forensically linked to a stash found in a pillowcase. This added further scrutiny to the situation, as it suggested that Winwood may have been involved in drug use at the time of his death. Judge Michael Chambers KC observed that while Kennedy did the right thing by calling for help, his actions in disposing of drugs could not be overlooked. The judge highlighted the dangers of such substances, emphasizing their role in causing societal misery. The defense for Kennedy argued that the events were traumatic for him, suggesting they served as a wake-up call leading to his decision to remain drug-free since the incident. Winwood's legacy as a public servant was fondly remembered by the Conservative association, which described him as a kind and devoted representative for his constituents. However, the circumstances of his death have led to questions regarding his well-being and associations at that time. While it is clear that he made a significant impact in his community over the decades, the tragic end of his life has raised concerns about the underlying issues of drug use and the environments in which individuals may find themselves, even those in public office.