Stalwart of Essex politics dies suddenly aged 80

A stalwart of local politics in Essex for more than three decades has died unexpectedly aged 80.

Liberal Democrat Mike Mackrory was leader of Chelmsford City Council in the early noughties and was the current opposition leader at Essex County Council.

A party spokesperson announced with "great sadness" that he died "completely unexpectedly" in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday.

The election for the Springfield division in Chelmsford where he was seeking re-election on the county council has been suspended.

The Lib Dems said Mackrory's death came as a "great shock" to his family, adding: "[We] are all thinking of his much-loved wife, children and grandchildren at this time."

Marie Goldman, the Lib Dem MP for Chelmsford, said Mackrory was out delivering campaign leaflets and knocking on doors "just a few days ago".

"I'm deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of one of my mentors," she said.

"His passion for helping the community he was elected to serve was second-to-none.

"He was also a formidable political campaigner right up to his death."

Mackrory was first elected to the city council in 1995, served as mayor in 1999, and led the authority from 2000-03.

He was first elected to the county council in 2005.

For most of the past 14 years, Mackrory was the main opposition voice at county hall.

Mackrory also supported many causes including the end-of-life charities Farleigh Hospice and Marie Curie.

Nicole Wood, chief executive at Essex County Council, said the veteran politician "filled his role with total professionalism".

Ivan Henderson, the Labour leader on the county council, said: "It's a massive shock.

"It seems like I was only talking to him the other day. He was not only a colleague but a good mate too."

Kevin Bentley, the Conservative leader at the county council, added: "Mike was a true gentleman who was thought of highly across the political spectrum.

"He worked hard for his community and devoted his skills and energy into serving the public at County Hall and beyond. He will be deeply missed."

The Springfield election was pushed back to 18 June. New postal ballots will be sent out to registered voters closer to the time.

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