The following obituary was written by Rory Love (MH 73-77) 

In an English lesson in our first week at Tonbridge, Peter Pragnell and I both incurred Mike Bushby’s disappointment at our choice of reading books; paperbacks by the 1970s thriller writer, Desmond Bagley. But our shared choice created a friendship that lasted 52 years.

At school, we shared many interests, including photography and cross country running. And he was a respected member of the Combined Cadet Force - Army Section.

After school, Peter attended Reading University, before teaching at two local independent schools. When the second school closed, Peter found immediate employment with a Hastings coach company before joining the Civil Service in a career that lasted until his unexpected death on 1 September 2025.

Peter William Pragnell was born in Bromley in March 1960, the first child of distinguished diplomat, Donald Pragnell LVO, CBE and his wife, Veronica. He attended Vinehall Prep School, but it was at Tonbridge that his dedication to voluntary and public service developed. 

We both volunteered in the School’s Community Service Group, where, one Saturday, Peter’s administrative skills were instrumental in organising the scoring and prize-giving for a local special school’s sports day. Later, he volunteered on archaeological digs on the South Downs, which he referenced in his last County Council speech in July.

It was as a councillor that Peter found his forte. Elected to Hastings Borough Council in 2000, he led his political group to control the Council between 2006 and 2010, becoming the only Conservative Executive Leader of that Council.

In 2009, he won a county council seat, which he retained for 16 years. Peter was respected across politics by councillors and MPs, especially for transport improvement campaigns. In the Authority’s 126-year history, only Peter appears twice in the Roll of Honour of Chairmen of East Sussex County Council.

As Chairman of Trustees of the Clifton Centre charity, which runs a community centre in St Leonards on Sea, he was recognised as:

“…a diligent and dedicated public servant … respectful of political differences … worked easily with everyone … assiduous … and endlessly patient.”

He was a Charlton Athletic supporter. A fan who knew him for years bumped into him at the Council offices:

“I had no idea he held such high office, which says much about his modesty, and his willingness to engage with anybody.”

His photographic memory made him a valuable addition to quiz teams. And his droll humour was legendary. Walking to the OT Dinner at Lords, he stopped to post our picture on that zebra crossing with the caption: “Stopped off in Abbey Road. Well, you have to, don’t you?”

He is survived by his sister, Liz, who lives with her family in Australia.

Peter was a mentor, a confidant, and my best man. Driven by duty, responsibility, and service, he was charming, well-mannered, and optimistic; and a tactical and effective campaigner. I shall miss him, but I shall forever be thankful for taking that Desmond Bagley paperback to Mike Bushby’s English lesson and for the half-century friendship that ensued.

(PS 73-77)

Peter and Rory on the Abbey Road Crossing on their way to the OT Dinner 2024