Edwina Hannaford: Tributes paid to long-serving Cornwall councillor

Edwina Hannaford was mayor of Looe before becoming the Lib Dem councillor for Looe West, Pelynt, Lansallos & Lanteglos

Tributes are being paid to Cornwall councillor Edwina Hannaford who has died following a lengthy illness.

Since joining Looe Town Council in 2003, she was mayor before becoming the Liberal Democrat councillor for Looe West, Pelynt, Lansallos & Lanteglos.

She had been reportedly suffering from an aggressive form of cancer.

Cllr Pauline Giles, chair of Cornwall Council said Ms Hannaford "was the heart and soul" of her community.

From 2013 to 2017, she held the role of Cabinet Member for Environment, Heritage and Planning, and also served as the Liberal Democrat group leader from 2021.

In December 2023, Looe Town Council voted unanimously voted to grant her the Honorary Freedom of the Town for her "many years of meritorious service".

'Outstanding servant'

Speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, Ms Giles said: "She will be sorely missed.

"She was the heart and soul of Looe for a long time, held two cabinet posts and was properly environmentally savvy."

Ms Hannaford served as Cornwall Council's Liberal Democrat group leader

Recalling the last time she spent with Ms Hannaford, she said: "Our last lunch out we got stuck in a lift and I don't think I've laughed so much for such a long time.

"She wasn't well then but we were able to laugh things off and hug it out."

Fellow councillor Hilary Frank, chair of Cornwall Liberal Democrats' Council Group said she was "a cherished role model".

She said: "As a 'newbie' to Cornwall Council when I was first elected in 2013, Edwina was the lady who supported and inspired me.

"She never hesitated to stand up for what she believed was right, and fought with every ounce of energy for Cornwall's residents, in the same way that she battled the wicked disease that has taken her from us."

Members of Cornwall council's Labour Group also paid tribute, saying they were "very sad to hear that Edwina Hannaford has died".

In a statement the group said: "Edwina was an exemplary councillor and public servant.

"She always put her residents first and her passion for environmental issues propelled Cornwall Council forward in that crucial area."

It added that Edwina was "a champion for women in politics".

Former MP for St Ives, Andrew George said: "She's been an inspiration and a rock to those of us who shared her commitment to the politics of kindness, decency and consideration for others.

"I've always admired Edwina's commitment, integrity and energy."