A North Tyneside councillor with 30 years of service has died after a long illness.
Councillor Carole Burdis had been a Labour councillor in North Tyneside since 1992 when she was first elected to represent Holystone.
She went on later to represent Valley Ward in 1996 – a position she has held ever since.
Carole has held several high-profile political and civic positions in North Tyneside during her career, including being the Civic Mayor in 2001 – 2002 and several cabinet positions, including most recently cabinet member for community safety and public protection.
She leaves behind children, grandchildren and her husband Brian, who is a fellow North Tyneside councillor and current Chair of Council. They met while on the campaign trail together in Valley ward and married in 2013 at a ceremony at Wallsend Hall.
In tribute to Carole, the Elected Mayor for North Tyneside, Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, said: “This is incredibly sad news, my thoughts go out to Carole’s friends and family, particularly her loving husband Brian, her children, and grandchildren.
Recommended:
- Darlington incident: Man arrested for suspected murder as child dies
- Child critically injured at Frosterley Drive in Darlington
- Darlington Police confirm baby aged 1 died on Friday
Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here for more.
“Carole represented the people of North Tyneside for over 30 years, she has shown incredible passion, care and respect for all of our residents, communities and businesses throughout this lengthy political career. She was a close friend, providing me with support throughout the years, she is well-liked and respected across the whole of the North East.
“She leaves a lasting, positive legacy on communities in our Borough and has made a real difference for families for over three decades of public service. She will be missed by members from all sides of the Chamber.”
Carole also held regional positions in the North East, including on the North of Tyne Combined Authority, Tyne and Wear Fire Authority Board and the Port of Tyne. Outside of politics, Carole worked for Unison until her retirement and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
A minute’s silence will be held before North Tyneside Council’s full council meeting this Thursday to remember Coun Burdis.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here