Long-serving Bexley councillor dies after period of illness
By Kiro Evans, Local Democracy Reporter
Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Bexley councillor who has died.
Councillor Linda Bailey has died after a period of ill-health, having stepped down from her position earlier this month.
She was first elected in 1986 and represented Bexleyheath, Danson and Crook Log wards almost continuously since then, apart from a break between 1994 and 1998.
Ms Bailey had lived in Bexley since 1972 along with her husband, who had recently passed away.
Among the many roles she served, Ms Bailey was Bexley’s first mayor in the new millenium and a member of the council’s first cabinet.
She was a mother to Jacky and Christine and grandmother to Emily, Jack, Harry and Katie.
Council leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill said: “Linda was unwavering in her commitment to serving the borough and our residents.
“She devoted time and energy over many years to
“But everyone who knew her will remember first her warmth and friendly manner.
“Her loss will be felt by all those who knew her as a friend and worked with her.”
Mayor of Bexley James Hunt said: “We are sad to hear the awful news that past mayor Linda Bailey has sadly passed away.
“Linda was an amazing woman and friend to all. She was passionate about Bexley and making Bexley a great place to live and work in.”
During her time at the council, Ms Bailey focused on schools and children’s services and later on development, town planning and regeneration.
She had not attended a council meeting in six months due to her poor health.
A new councillor for the Crook Log ward will be elected in May’s local elections.