TRIBUTE has been paid to former borough mayor Margaret Jones, whose death this morning (Tuesday, 15 October) has been announced.

Mrs Jones served as a borough and county councillor over five decades and was influential in many community groups, including Thurrock District Scouts, of which she was president.

She also served on Basildon Hospital's governing board for many years and had a passion for the health service. She was a school governor and also served as a magistrate.

Thurrock Council leader John Kent, a Labour colleague of Mrs Jones on the authority for many years said: "I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Margaret Jones.

"Though this wasn't unexpected news it still comes as a shock. Margaret had been a constant presence in the political and public life of Thurrock for many decades.

"Fifty years ago, in 1974, Margaret was the first Mayor of Thurrock and in 1997 she was the Mayor's consort when her late husband, Merlyn (who died in December 2022), was the last Mayor before Thurrock was granted County Borough status.

"Margaret had a passion for young people. Both she and Merlyn were voluntary youth workers in London's East End before moving to Thurrock where Margaret worked as a teacher for many years.

"When Thurrock gained unitary status, Margaret chaired the Learning Services Committee before becoming the first cabinet member for education and was president of Thurrock Scouts for many years.

"It is hard to think of Margaret without Merlyn - they were a devoted couple who enjoyed life to the full.

"They didn't have children and have little surviving family - my condolences go to all who knew them, and I pay a special tribute to those who have done so much for Margaret since Merlyn's passing - particularly Sue Little and Valerie Morris-Cook."

In August 2022 Mrs Jones was named on the borough's Mayoral Roll of Honour for her years of service.