THE Mayor of Basildon, Councillor Luke Mackenzie, has died just one month after sharing his cancer diagnosis.

Cllr Mackenzie, who represented the Pitsea South East ward, passed away this week.

He had served as Mayor of Basildon since 2022, but stepped aside in February before starting chemotherapy. The Mayor did not share any further details about his diagnosis.

Mackenzie was born in Basildon and was a student at Mayflower School and St Teresa's Primary School.

The Conservative was first elected as a councillor in 2008, and returned to the council again in 2018.

A statement from Basildon Conservatives says: "Basildon Conservatives are deeply sad to announce the tragic passing of our friend and brother Luke Mackenzie following a short illness. 

"Luke was a friend to many, a dedicated and hardworking public servant, who believed passionately in Basildon. He will be sorely and sincerely missed by his many friends. 

"Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time."

In a statement last month, Cllr Mackenzie said: "While I am still exploring my options, the NHS are opting to start with chemotherapy. I don't know the impact this will have on me until it starts. I have been told that some people are completely fine with it while others struggle.

"I wish to thank the NHS and its staff for all the support and care they have given me.

"Currently, I am trying to rest, absorb the information and plan the best route forward. For now, this will mean taking a step back from my mayor and councillor duties."

Deputy Mayor Cllr Yetunde Adeshile will continue to conduct duties in the coming weeks.

The Leader of Basildon Council, Cllr Andrew Baggott, said: "It is with great sadness that I share that our dear friend and colleague, Luke Mackenzie - Mayor of Basildon and ward member for Pitsea South East, has passed away.

"Luke shocked us all when he announced his cancer diagnosis earlier this year, and his loss will be felt tremendously by members and officers across the council.

"Luke was a dedicated public servant, becoming a councillor at a very young age. He served his local community with pride as a ward councillor from 2008 to 2012, and again from 2018, as well as a county councillor from 2021.

"Luke will be remembered with great fondness, as someone who put other people first and took his responsibilities as Mayor incredibly seriously. He supported others entering the world of local politics and delivered his role with the greatest integrity.

"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. We will miss him dearly."

News of Cllr Mackenzie's death came during a meeting of the council's cabinet last night and the meeting was adjourned as a mark of respect and will reconvene on 20 March.