Council leaders pay tribute to Basildon Mayor Luke Mackenzie

The Mayor of Basildon, Councilor Luke Mackenzie, has passed away – following a short illness.

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Council leaders in Basildon and Essex have released statements, paying tribute to the Mayor.

The Leader of Basildon Council, Cllr Andrew Baggott, said:

“It is with great sadness that I share that our dear friend and colleague, Luke Mackenzie – Mayor of Basildon and ward member for Pitsea South East, has passed away.

“Luke shocked us all when he announced his cancer diagnosis earlier this year, and his loss will be felt tremendously by members and officers across the council.

“Luke was a dedicated public servant, becoming a councillor at a very young age. He served his local community with pride as a ward councillor from 2008 to 2012, and again from 2018, as well as a county councillor from 2021.

“Luke will be remembered with great fondness, as someone who put other people first and took his responsibilities as Mayor incredibly seriously. He supported others entering the world of local politics and delivered his role with the greatest integrity.

“I speak on behalf of the whole of Basildon when I offer my sincerest condolences to Luke’s family, his loved ones and all those who had the privilege of working with him. We will miss him dearly.”

The Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr Kevin Bentley, said:

“I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the very sad and untimely death of Cllr Luke Mackenzie yesterday.

“Luke had represented the Pitsea Division in Essex County Council since 2021 and had been Mayor of Basildon for the 2023/24 Municipal Year. His 38th birthday would have been next week.

“He was a highly regarded and well-liked colleague, especially by our members from Basildon Borough, and his loss will be keenly felt. He will be much-missed, and we offer our condolences to his family and friends.”