Tributes have been paid to Wythenshawe councillor, Sue Murphy who died this afternoon following an illness.
The Brooklands councillor, who was also Manchester City Council’s Deputy Leader had served the city since being elected in 1995, and had been had been Deputy Leader. She had also been Executive Member for Employment and Skills and Executive Member for Finance.
She had been suffering from an ongoing illness which was not related to Covid 19.
Cllr Murphy will also be remember for her work as chair of trustees for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund established after the 22 May 2017 terror attack She was also on the board of Manchester Health and Care Commissioning Group and and was also chair of governors of the LTE Group, which runs Manchester College based in Benchill.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Today Manchester has lost a great socialist and public servant who has dedicated her life to social justice and making the city, and the world, a better and fairer place for everybody – but especially those with the greatest needs,” said Sir Richard.
“Over the years she has taken on many roles locally and nationally, including some of the most challenging issues we face as a society – tackling homelessness and the scourge of family poverty being just part of her council portfolio.
“I have lost a friend and colleague who has been alongside me for over a quarter of a century, for the last ten years as my deputy leader.
“The loss is a devastating shock. I will miss Sue, Manchester will miss Sue, but we can only imagine the feelings of her husband Paul and her family at the moment and, above all, my thoughts are with them.”
Colleagues and friends joined Cllr Leese in paying tribute to Cllr Murphy.
Devastated by the loss of a good friend and mentor for over 20 years. She leaves a big hole to fill and my thoughts are with her loving husband Paul at this difficult time. RIP my friend ❤️💔🌹 https://t.co/bHjSHS4xzx
— Suzanne Richards (@CllrSuzanne) April 7, 2020
Such sad news. Sue was my mentor when I was first elected onto @ManCityCouncil and taught me so much. A kind, generous person who was an amazing public servant. A huge loss to Manchester and @McrLabour My thoughts and prayers go to Paul and her family at this awful time. RIP Sue https://t.co/tvsO2umROF
— Chris Webb #StayHomeSaveLives🧡 (@chris_bpool) April 7, 2020
Manchester will miss Sue pic.twitter.com/0NHOaGHPAq
— Manchester Labour (@McrLabour) April 7, 2020
Chief Executive Joanne Roney responds to the death today of Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Sue Murphy CBE: pic.twitter.com/eWOy3wqLSa
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 7, 2020
Really sad to hear the news that Cllr Sue Murphy has passed away. Sue was a brilliant advocate for womens rights and those most vulnerable in our city. Sue offered guidance and was a mentor to many, myself included. Thoughts are with Paul and Sue’s family. R.I.P Sue x
— Sarah Judge (@sarahjudge90) April 7, 2020