TRIBUTES have been paid to a councillor who lost her battle with bowel cancer.

Imelda Clancy, Independent Group chairman of the Licensing Committee and councillor for Langdon Hills Ward, died due to advanced secondary bowel cancer that spread to other organs.

Her family says the return of the cancer only presented mild symptoms during her last few weeks of life and after Brexit Day, then she quickly deteriorated and passed away in her sleep peacefully at home on January 7.

Her son, Kerry Smith deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: "I would like to thank the fantastic staff at St. Luke's Hospice for their care and devotion to enabling Imelda to pass away with dignity and no pain.

Their nursing staff are just like angels."

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: "Basildon Council is extremely saddened to hear of the recent passing of Councillor Imelda Clancy.

"Cllr Clancy, former Deputy Leader of the Independent Group, had been a serving councillor since 2014 when she represented Pitsea North-West, and had passionately represented the residents of Langdon Hills since 2018.

"Our deepest of sympathies go to Cllr Clancy’s family at this time, and we thank her unreservedly for her long-standing service to the council and the residents of our borough."