Exeter councillor dies

Judy Pattison represented Mincinglake and Whipton

Tributes have been paid to Exeter City Councillor Judy Pattison who died last week at her Exeter home. Cllr Pattison, 70, was the Labour Party member for Mincinglake and Whipton.

She was elected to office in Exeter in 2018, having previously served as a councillor in Camden in London. She was Mayor of Camden in 2002/3.
 The union flag will be lowered at the Guildhall and civic centre and tributes will be paid at Thursday's council meeting along with a minute’s silence.
 
Council leader Phil Bialyk spoke of his sadness. “The whole Labour group and indeed all councillors are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Judy. She worked hard as a local councillor since being elected in the Mincinglake and Whipton ward. She brought with her previous experience from Camden where she was a councillor and Mayor and her contribution to the Council here in Exeter and indeed in supporting members of the community will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathies go to her family at this time of sadness. We will remember Judy.”

On Twitter, Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw said he was extremest sorry to hear of Judy Pattison's death. "She was a fantastic local representative, a huge support to me in my work as Exeter MP and great fun. We'll greatly miss her."
 
Due to the pandemic, a by-election will not take place until May. It brings the political membership of the Council to 28 Labour; 6 Conservative; 4 Progressive; 1 vacancy.