Death of Macclesfield councillor

Tributes have been paid following the death of Labour councillor Stephen Carter.

Councillor Carter, who represented the Macclesfield Hurdsfield ward, is believed to have passed away while on holiday in The Gambia.

Cllr Carter, a husband and father, was a recently retired history teacher who represented his ward for almost a decade.

Cheshire East and Macclesfield town councillor David Edwardes has said: “He’d recently retired as a teacher and was looking forward to the future with his wonderful wife and their children.

“As a councillor I always deeply respected and liked him. He was a really nice guy. We served on two or three committees together and although I was independent and he was a member of the Labour party it didn’t matter at all.

“He was a very good local councillor and will be sadly missed.”

Macclesfield town councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake paid tribute to her “dear friend” as she shared the sad news on the Hurdsfield Community Group on Facebook. She said: “I am deeply saddened to tell you that my dear friend and fellow Councillor Steve Carter died yesterday.

Steve represented Hurdsfield residents for almost 10 years he was also a director at the Green in the Corner, local alms houses and volunteer at Junior Park Run and litter picks at Victoria Park and much, much more. Despite retiring from education recently he became busier than ever!

“He always put his heart and soul into everything he did and helped many people. He was a great mentor to myself as a new councillor and I am honoured to have been his friend. Rest in peace Steve.”

Neil Puttick, town councillor for Macclesfield South, said: “Really sad that Steve Carter has died – such a brilliant person: a wonderful teacher, dedicated Councillor and community leader and inspirational figure in the Labour Party.

“Steve, you inspired me that a better caring politics for Macclesfield was possible. Only last week, we were talking about how to make the world a better place. Love to family and friends.”

Alsager town councillor Michael Unett said: “Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Carter. He was a fantastic councillor and champion of his community in Macclesfield and beyond.

“The Cheshire East Labour Party and group has lost another valued and dedicated member. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest In Peace Steve.”

Former Labour MP for Haslingden & HyndburnGraham Jones posted on Twitter: “Really sad to hear of the passing of a great friend of Hyndburn & well known Labour stalwart @stevecarter001.

“Always great to chat to, always out there, always representing decency & his area. Steve stood for Parliament in 2010 in Hyndburn & making many new friends. RIP.”

Congleton Town Labour Party posted on its Facebook page: “Everyone here at Congleton Town Labour Party were saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Carter, a dedicated and hard working Councillor representing Macclesfield within the Cheshire East Council.

“Our love, thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this sad time.”