Tributes have been paid to Wirral Cllr Anne McArdle who sadly lost her battle with cancer last week.
Cllr McArdle, 66, who was the Labour councillor for Leasowe and Moreton East passed away on Friday following a long illness. She had only stepped down from office two weeks ago due to poor health.
She has been described as “an indefatigable fighter for social justice.”
Cllr McArdle was first elected in 2010, joining the cabinet with responsibility for adult social care. She had previously worked as a teacher and a schools inspector before becoming an election agent and office manager for Wallasey MP Angela Eagle.
Ms Eagle said: “I am extremely sad to hear that Anne has lost her long and brave battle against cancer. Wallasey has lost a true champion who relished serving her local community….I have lost a loyal and irreplaceable friend.”
Council leader Phil Davies also offered his condolences to Mrs McArdle’s family, and added: “She was a wonderful person who I got to know well through her being a councillor, member of the Labour Party, and latterly in her cabinet role.”
Tributes have also flooded in on social networking site Twitter:
Maria Eagle, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport was and a friend of Anne, tweeted: “RT”@LiverpoolLabour: Warm words for late #Wirral #LabourCouncil as Anne McArdle passes away.” So sorry to hear.”
Cllr Steve Williams, Conservative Councillor for Moreton West & Saughall Massie, said: “Very sad that Cllr. Anne McArdle has passed away. A dedicated councillor particularly in her work for Adult Social Services. RIP.”
Cllr Kevin Peel, Counciller for City Centre ward, said: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Wirral councillor Anne McArdle. I met her several times & she really was one of the good guys.
The official Wirral Conservatives Twitter page tweeted: “We are very sorry to hear that Cllr. Anne McArdle has passed away after a long illness. RIP. Our condolences to her family and friends.”