Bexley councillor steps down due to illness

A councillor’s seat has been declared vacant after she missed six months of council meetings because of illness.

Councillor Linda Bailey has served the borough and its residents since 1986 and was Bexley’s ‘Millennium Mayor’ in 1999/2000.

She served as Deputy Mayor in 1993/94 and was also a member of the council’s first Cabinet in 2001/2.

Cllr Bailey was first elected to the council in 1986 to represent Christchurch Ward, and went on to represent Danson Park and Crook Log Ward, which due to boundary changes covered almost the same area.

She held a particular interest in development, town planning, schools and children’s services.

She became Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Housing in 2009, later taking the lead on growth, as this became a key priority for the borough.

Council leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE praised her contribution to the council and its residents.

She said: “Linda is passionate about making a difference to Bexley and has always been a proud champion for our residents. We worked together to secure jobs for local people in many places, including the Ocado and Tesco centres in the north of the borough.

“She took a close interest in the regeneration of Erith Park and Thamesmead and the development at Erith Quarry.

“She has always been a keen supporter of our town centres, working with local businesses and including the successful campaign to encourage Waitrose to open in Sidcup.

“We will miss her dedication, enthusiasm and drive on the council.”

The vacancy will be filled at the local elections scheduled for Thursday, May 5.