Emotional tribute paid to councillor who has died

Chris Hilliard served with "passion, kindness, integrity", their colleagues say

Councillors have paid emotional tributes to a Cheshire East colleague who died and held a minute's silence in their memory.

Chris Hilliard, 37, who was an independent councillor for Wilmslow Lacey Green, died suddenly this week.

Flags were flown at half mast as the council's Highways and Transport Committee, on which Hilliard was a member as active travel champion, held a moment of reflection on Thursday night.

Mark Goldsmith, chair of the meeting, was upset when he told members Hilliard had served the council and community "with dedication, integrity and passion."

Leaders of the political groups on the council said Hilliard "genuinely wanted to make a difference" and would be deeply missed.

In a joint statement, Labour group leader Nick Mannion, Independent group leader Michael Gorman and Conservative group leader Stewart Gardiner said: "Chris was dedicated to their role as ward Councillor for Wilmslow Lacey Green – a role they were elected to in May 2023 – and served with passion, kindness, integrity, and a deep commitment to the local community."

'Cared deeply'

They said Hilliard had "passionately advocated" for an integrated transport system that "supports people to use more sustainable forms of transport".

The statement added: "You could see Chris' passion through their interactions with both fellow councillors and the communities Chris served.

"Chris will be deeply missed.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Chris' family, friends, and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time."

Goldsmith told the meeting: "Chris cared deeply about helping others and cycling too, which is why Chris was our cycling champion."

He said Hilliard had advocated for many of the initiatives discussed at the meeting, which is why it was not cancelled

"We did not want to delay the hard work that Chris put into bringing these schemes to the committee," he said.

"Chris was also one of our youngest councillors and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside them."

Further tributes will be paid at the next full council meeting, which takes place in July.