HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for Basildon’s mayor after he tragically passed away following a short battle with cancer. 

Luke Mackenzie, Conservative councillor for Pitsea South East ward and the current Basildon mayor, died at just 37 years old on Thursday. 

Mr Mackenzie, described by fellow councillors as a not only a colleague but also a close friend, became Basildon Council’s youngest ever mayor when he took on the role on 2022. 

Echo: Luke Mackenzie sadly passes away aged 37Luke Mackenzie sadly passes away aged 37 (Image: Newsquest)

Craig Rimmer, fellow Pitsea South East ward councillor, and close friend, said: “Luke was not only a colleague, but he was also an old friend.

“In 2018, when we were campaigning just the two of us on a wet weekend, he asked me to nominate him for deputy mayor, my reply was ‘but we haven’t even been elected yet’.

“He said we are going to get elected, and he was right. It took him until 2021 to become deputy mayor and then 2022 to fulfil his ambition to become mayor of Basildon, a role he loved.

“It is not often you come across someone who is so driven and equally so unassuming. He impacted on a lot of people’s lives in a positive way. We will all deeply miss him.”

Yetunde Adeshile, deputy mayor of Basildon, took over Luke’s mayoral duties following his heartbreaking cancer diagnosis last month.

She said: “It goes without saying that I am in shock. Luke was a friend, colleague, and great politician.

“As the youngest mayor that Basildon has ever had in office, and definitely the coolest as well, I am still trying to process why he died so young.

“Luke has achieved a lot in life, and he is an icon that will remain forever in our hearts.

“He really was kind at heart. I will continue to remember him for his training and support for me as his deputy mayor. Luke will be remember in my prayers.”

Luke was first elected as Basildon councillor in 2008, before returning as a councillor in 2018.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, added: “Luke will be remembered with great fondness, as someone who put other people first and took his responsibilities as mayor incredibly seriously.

"I speak on behalf of the whole of Basildon when I offer my sincerest condolences to Luke’s family, his loved ones and all those who had the privilege of working with him.”