Hertfordshire County Council has paid tribute to the much-acclaimed, long-serving county councillor Judi Billing, MBE, who sadly died last week at the age of 71.

The highly-respected Judi had served as county councillor for Hitchin North since 2013 and was the Labour Group Leader at County Hall.

She was also the spokesperson for Education, Public Health & Community Safety, sitting on the Employment committee as well as the Impact of Scrutiny Advisory committee. She chaired the BAME Health Inequalities Topic Group and Reducing Inequalities in Maternity Scrutiny Topic Groups.

Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, and Leader of the Conservative Group, said: "Judi was a dedicated, passionate and hardworking councillor and will be hugely missed. A deeply significant political figure, especially for the Labour Party, she was admired by all who worked with her at district, county and national levels.

"An asset to democracy for Hertfordshire, she always made time to be kind, with her advice and wisdom recognised by all Councillors. Our thoughts are with Judi's family and colleagues as they come to terms with her passing."

Judi contributed to Labour Local Government regionally and nationally through a number of roles at the Local Government Association and the Association of Labour Councillors. She was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Freeman of the City of London.

Judi became a North Herts District Councillor in her 20s, and was the serving Executive Member for Community Engagement, Chair of Standards Committee and Joint Chair of Cabinet Panel on Community and Enterprise.

Cllr Nigel Bell, Deputy Leader of the Herts County Labour Group, said:"We are devastated to hear the very sad news this morning of the passing of our dear colleague and Leader of our Group Judi Billing. We send our condolences and deepest sympathy to Judi's family. 

"We have lost not only a much loved County Council colleague but a trusted friend and mentor. Judi was highly respected not only amongst Labour colleagues at the County Council and for long service at North Herts Council but across the party political spectrum here and nationally. 

"When we think of Judi we will always be reminded of her deep commitment to public service, and even in difficult times she always went out of her way to make sure she carried out her responsibilities. When Judi spoke in Council it was always to make a relevant and telling point with her own distinct and straightforward style."

On a more personal note, Judi was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother and had a huge fondness for her beloved dog Pedro.

She will be missed by many people and the thoughts of everyone at Hertfordshire County Council are with her family and friends at this sad time.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: "Judi was a dedicated politician and community campaigner, which was evident not only in the council chamber but in her community - as I hear from her colleagues and residents.

"She was much admired in the local government family for her dedication not only to the labour cause but for the wellbeing of everyone.

"The Liberal Democrat Group sends its heartfelt and sincere condolences to all of Judi's family and friends."

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