Tributes as deputy council leader Sue dies, aged 59
TRIBUTES have been paid to Manchester council’s deputy leader Sue Murphy, who has died at the age of 59.
Coun Murphy had been ill for several months and had spent some time in hospital earlier this year, although she had been discharged in recent weeks.
It is understood she had been due to receive further treatment in the coming days, but her health took a turn for the worse and she passed away yesterday.
Her death was not said to be related to the coronavirus.
Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “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. 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,” said Sir Richard.
The Labour councillor, who represented Brooklands in Wythenshawe, was first elected to the town hall in 1995, serving on the executive before rising to become deputy leader of the council in 2010. She was awarded the CBE in 2015 and, alongside her council work, was also the chair of the trustees for the We Love Manchester emergency fund, as well as chair of governors at Manchester College.
As deputy leader, she represented Manchester on the Local Government Association and led the city’s approach to homelessness. She was also a dedicated campaigner on domestic violence and family poverty.
Coun Pat Karney, secretary of Manchester council’s Labour group, said: “Everyone in the Labour group is heartbroken at this terrible news.
“All Labour members will have memories of her kindness and compassion. This news will take a long time to absorb,” he said.