Liberal Democrat councillor whose long COVID diagnosis turned out to be cancer dies | Politics News

A councillor whose long COVID diagnosis was actually cancer has died.

Caroline Page, 65, a Liberal Democrat county councillor on Suffolk County Council, died on Wednesday night.

She contracted COVID in late 2020 and was referred to a long COVID service by 2021.

Then, in 2022, she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Suffolk County Council chairman, Keith Robinson, said despite her health challenges Ms Page had “committed everything she had” to ensuring her area and its residents were “looked after and championed”.

She was elected to the council in 2008 and held several positions including being the spokesperson for Women, Disabilities and Adult Care, Highways and Transport, and Deputy Leader for the Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent Group.

She had been the vice-chair of the Education Transport Appeals Committee since 2010.

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Mr Robinson said: “Caroline was a well-respected, hardworking woman and dedicated county councillor since her election to the Woodbridge division in 2008.

“Caroline’s unwavering enthusiasm and relentless passion for serving her residents saw her achieve a great deal during her time in office, not only for those living and working in Woodbridge, but those across Suffolk through her wider responsibilities at the county council.

“Caroline served on many council committees – dedicating her time to scrutinising council activity, shaping policies and ultimately helping to improve services to all Suffolk residents.”

He added: “Caroline also made sure she continued to make us smile in recent months through her regular Twitter updates, sharing her photos, videos and wit.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

Councillor Andrew Stringer, leader of the Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group, said: “Caroline was a true force of nature, a tireless campaigner and a brilliant councillor.

“From cleaning up rivers, to championing woman’s equality, Caroline set the bar for what a councillor should aspire to be – always putting her community first.

“For those that had the pleasure to work alongside her, we are proud to call her a friend.”