TRIBUTES have been paid to two former Thurrock councillors who have died.

A minute's silence took place at last night's meeting (Monday, 9 January) of the council after the deaths were announced of Labour's Peter Maynard and former UKIP and Independent Group councillor Janet Baker.

Mr Maynard, who represented the Belhus ward over more than three decades before standing down in 2010, died yesterday.

Leader of Thurrock's Labour group, Cllr John Kent, paid this tribute to his friend, saying: "I am greatly saddened at the passing of Peter.

"Though Peter hadn't enjoyed the best of health over the past few months his death wasn't expected and came as a real shock.

"Peter was a good friend and colleague. As a long serving councillor, representing Belhus, Peter was a really hard-working and conscientious councillor who was liked and respected by all who knew him.

"As a member of the council's cabinet he introduced many initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour and was the driving force behind creating community forums across the borough.

"Peter will be greatly missed by all who knew him and my thoughts are with his brother Derek and all his family."

Janet Baker

Janet Baker was elected in the Ockendon ward in 2014 as part of the explosion in popularity in Thurrock of UKIP. Her husband Chris and son James were also elected and Chris remains a councillor and member of the Independent Group.

By 2018 when she stood again, Janet along with husband and son,  had joined the Independent group, but she lost her seat in Ockendon to Labour's Sue Shinnick. Chris also lost in 2018 but bounced back to win Belhus for the Independents the following year. Janet also stood in Ockendon in 2019 but lost to current ward incumbent, Tory Cllr Andrew Jefferies.

James served just one term, in East Tilbury.

Before Christmas the death was announced of another long serving labour councillor and former mayor, Melvyn Jones and a tribute to him will take place at another meeting of the full council later this month.