Tributes paid after death of Green Cllr Rachel Eburne, who represented Haughley, Stowupland and Wetherden at Mid Suffolk District Council

Tributes have been paid to a leading councillor - ‘a true community champion and steadfast advocate for both planet and people’ - who has died after a long battle with cancer.

Green Cllr Rachel Eburne, who represented Haughley, Stowupland and Wetherden at Mid Suffolk District Council and was deputy leader as well as cabinet member for finance and resources at the authority, died on Friday.

Andy Mellen, leader of the council, said: “Rachel was a true community champion, a steadfast advocate for both planet and people, as well as a close and supportive friend.

“Her death leaves a huge hole in the council, in her community, and in our hearts.”

The mum-of-two was elected at a by-election in 2010.

The third Green, she was then twice returned unopposed and later topped the poll of the enlarged ward.

Cllr Eburne went on to lead the group as it grew to six and was chair of the scrutiny committee.

She was appointed to the Local Government Association board for environment and transport, advising on policy and representing councillors to Government.

In November 2018, Cllr Eburne was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) but chose to continue as a councillor.

She led the election campaign which doubled numbers to 12, teamed up with the Liberal Democrats, and reduced the Conservative administration to controlling the council through the chair’s casting vote.

Despite increasing pain and debilitating treatment, Cllr Eburne remained active representing her community as well as inspiring the next generation of councillors.

She stepped back from leadership but played a key role in the 2023 campaign which took the Green Party to its first ever majority control of a principal authority.

Since then she had served as deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance and resources.

Long-serving councillors who had served alongside Cllr Eburne throughout her 15 year term also paid tribute.

Cllr Andrew Stringer said: “Rachel Eburne set a new standard of what a community could expect from a councillor.

“No one was ever in doubt of her commitment to, and love of public service.

“Her understanding and passion for environmental causes was second to none, a tragic loss to her family, community, and our council and the political life of Suffolk. We have lost one of the very best of councillors and a very dear friend.”

Cllr John Matthissen said: “I, and many others, will miss so very much Rachel’s unique combination of clarity, warmth and determined hard work. The very best friend and colleague.”

Apart from her work as a councillor for the Haughley, Stowupland and Wetherden ward, and the wider district, Cllr Eburne played a significant role within the local Mid Suffolk Green Party, especially as treasurer.