THURROCK Mayor Cllr Sue Little has paid tribute to her counterpart on Basildon Council after the death of Cllr Luke Mackenzie was announced.

Cllr Mackenzie, 38, who represented the Pitsea South East ward, passed away this week.

He had served as Mayor of Basildon since 2022, but stepped aside in February before starting chemotherapy.

Cllr Little said she had known Cllr Mackenzie for considerable more than a decade, first encountering him as a young man when he worked on the election campaign for East Thurrock and South Basilkdon MP Stephen Metcalfe in 2008.

Cllr Sue Little.

She told Thurrock Nub News: "This is so sad, he was still a young man and he was a very lovely guy and very respectful of his office and colleagues.

"Someone who really did care about representing the people and he was a dedicated public servant. He was also very generous with his time.

"In our civic roles we have been out on several things together and sometimes we overlapped. I recall at the opening the Basildon Hospital concourse one of us had to speak and he stepped aside to let me do so, even though it was technically on his patch.

"That summed him up. He respected everybody and his office and wasn't above letting others step into the limelight. He didn't put himself first."

Another Thurrock councillor who knew Cllr Mackenzie well was Homesteads Cllr James halden, himself Tborough mayor in the last civic year.

Luke Mackenzie (centre) flanked in 2008 by fellow young Conservatives Charlie Key (left) and James Halden who went on to follow in his footsteps and become elected councillors.

Cllr Halden said: "I have known Luke for manay years. He was in the vangard of a group of young Conservatives like myself in the 'noughties' who were coming of age and engaging in politics.

"He took a lead and showed that you could make a different and that that age was not a deriding factor. His election in 2008 proved that and he opened the door through which a number of us young Conservatives were able to follow. "

Cllr Mackenzie died just a month after sharing his cancer diagnosis.

He had served as Mayor of Basildon since 2022, but stepped aside in February before starting chemotherapy. The Mayor did not share any further details about his diagnosis.

Cllr Mackenzie was born in Basildon and was a student at Mayflower School and St Teresa's Primary School.

The Conservative was first elected as a councillor in Vange in 2008, and returned to the council again in 2018.

A statement from Basildon Conservatives says: "Basildon Conservatives are deeply sad to announce the tragic passing of our friend and brother Luke Mackenzie following a short illness. 

"Luke was a friend to many, a dedicated and hardworking public servant, who believed passionately in Basildon. He will be sorely and sincerely missed by his many friends. 

"Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time."

In a statement last month, Cllr Mackenzie said: "While I am still exploring my options, the NHS are opting to start with chemotherapy. I don't know the impact this will have on me until it starts. I have been told that some people are completely fine with it while others struggle.

"I wish to thank the NHS and its staff for all the support and care they have given me.

"Currently, I am trying to rest, absorb the information and plan the best route forward. For now, this will mean taking a step back from my mayor and councillor duties."

Deputy Mayor Cllr Yetunde Adeshile will continue to conduct duties in the coming weeks.