Tributes paid to councillor as election postponed

Tributes have been paid following the death of a "tireless and determined" councillor who served on Bradford Council for more than 30 years.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Idle and Thackley Jeanette Sunderland, 69, died on Monday morning following a brief and unexpected illness, her family said. She had been diagnosed with cancer in 2024.

Her death means the upcoming election in the ward will be suspended until June, as she was standing for re-election.

Liberal Democrat group leader Brendan Stubbs thanked Sunderland for her work and described her as a "brave and beautiful soul".

He said: "Jeanette spent decades fighting to make sure people got the care and support they needed. She was a tireless and determined voice for the ward she represented for more than 30 years.

"She was passionate and, at the heart of it, cared about people. She consistently challenged those in power to deliver better for residents, especially the most vulnerable in our community."

Sunderland, who was chair of the local party, joined the Liberal Democrats in January 1992 and won the Idle ward in May 1994.

Stubbs said: "You will be deeply missed as a friend, colleague, champion for Bradford's children, advocate for liberal values, and an all-around amazing woman."

She is survived by her husband Andrew and daughter Rachel Mott, who said it was a "goodbye cradled in love".

She said: "Jeanette will be remembered and missed by all who knew her, far more than words can say.

"Jeanette leaves a space that cannot be filled. Courageous and determined, at her core thoughtful, selfless and caring. The world is less today without her presence.

"She will remain forever treasured as a wife, mother, grandmother, auntie and friend."

Bradford City Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said Sunderland was one of Bradford's longest serving councillors.

She said: "Jeanette served the people of her ward and the district with a steadfast commitment over so many years.

"Jeanette was a strong voice for the residents she diligently represented and in her many roles on the council. Her loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers at this extremely sad time."

Sunderland was a keen swimmer and runner, taking part in Parkrun's 5K Your Way and in September, Sunderland and her family trekked in Iceland to raise funds for the Marie Curie charity.

Leader of Bradford Green Party Matt Edwards said she was "fearless and no-nonsense", but also "incredibly generous".

He said: "In council meetings, she never spoke for the sake of it. But when she did, people listened, because she always had something important to say. Bradford is a better place because of her, and she will be missed by many."

Conservative leader Rebecca Poulsen said Sunderland was "passionate about children and young people".

She said: "I know she cared deeply for the residents in Idle and Thackley and loved being a councillor.

"Swimming was a real focus for her, and she often spoke in the council chamber about improving access to swimming for children."

Talat Sajawal, leader of the Bradford Independent Group, said: "This is very shocking and sad news.

"Jeanette Sunderland was an amazing public servant and worked tirelessly for her residents, with great conviction and dedication.

"I learned so much from her over the years. She was a true inspiration for me.

"My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and constituents. She will be sadly missed in the chamber."

Bradford Council said the election would be delayed and rescheduled within 35 days of the original date.

The election will take place in June and new poll cards would be sent to affected voters.

Any already returned postal votes will no longer count and postal voters will be sent a new vote.

The Liberal Democrats said councillors Alun Griffiths and Aislin Naylor would continue to stand in the rearranged election and a third candidate would be announced in the coming weeks.

Also nominated to stand in the ward are: David Bryant, Sally Cook and Richard Edward John Wightman for the Conservative Party; Evelyne Godfrey, Gareth David Logan and Paul Wright for the Labour Party; Stuart Hurlbut, Melissa Jacobs and Tess Lawrence for the Green Party; and Tom Macpherson Le Maire, David Llewelyn Mills and John Michael Riley for Reform UK.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.