Commenting on the death of Surjit Basra, former Mayor of Buntingford and Elder at the Letchworth Gurdwara, Sir Oliver Heald said :
"I was saddened to hear that Surjit Basra has passed away after a short period in hospital. His many friends in North East Hertfordshire will miss him greatly and be very sad at the news. Surjit made his life in Buntingford where he was owner of a popular Stores and Post Office. He became Mayor of Buntingford and was so popular that he served for many years. He was also a Leader at the Sikh Gurdwara in Icknield Way, Letchworth, where he was very involved in its management. He was also a former Treasurer of the North East Hertfordshire Conservative Association. I can well remember how much he enjoyed civic events such as the Buntingford Carnival and the Christmas events in the town. He will be greatly missed. I know that our thoughts will be with his widow Satwant and all the family."