TRIBUTES have been paid to a much loved councillor who has passed away after short illness.

Councillor Mason, who represented the Toddbrook Ward for Labour, passed away in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 5 December 2020).

Frances first served as a councillor from December 2018 to May 2019. She was re-elected to serve the Toddbrook ward in May 2019 until May 2023. Frances also represented the council on the Essex Police and Crime panel, Harlow Occupational Health Service, the Safer Harlow Partnership and was a member of the welfare panel.

Brian Keane, Harlow Council’s Chief Executive, has paid tribute to Councillor Mason.

Mr Keane said:

“Frances was a much loved and respected councillor who was also Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Governance, Equality and Diversity, a role that she took extremely seriously in championing the rights of others.

“Frances had not been a councillor for long, but during her time serving the town she made a real difference to the community and her contribution will never be forgotten. We are all saddened by the news of her death. Not only have we lost a councillor we have all lost a colleague.

“On behalf of the whole council I would like to express my sympathy and deepest condolences to her family and to all those who knew her.”

The Chair of Harlow Labour, cllr Lani eShears has paid tribute on behalf of her colleagues.

Cllr Shears said: “It is with great sadness that Harlow Labour Party learnt of the death of Councillor Frances Mason this morning after a short battle with the Covid-19 virus.

Frances was a formidable intellect, a campaigner for equality and fairness, detailed in her approach and an unsurpassed hard worker. She had a great sense of humour, she was kind and her compassion shone through in everything she did.

“Frances will be sorely missed by all those who knew her and loved her.
Those who knew Frances felt themselves lucky to do so. She was a colleague, a comrade and a friend.

“We send our condolences to Frances’ family”.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon has also paid tribute to Frances Mason.

Mr Halfon said: “I am very sad to hear that Cllr Frances Mason has passed away.

“Although we had political differences, she was always courteous, kind, committed to Harlow with a never ending passion to help the vulnerable.

She challenged my political outlook intellectually and robustly but always with decency. We corresponded by email only very recently.

“She will be a loss to her political party and I wish her family the best of heart at this time. Harlow has lost a compassion champion”.

The civic crest flag outside the Civic Centre is being lowered today as a mark of respect.

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Comments

Mick Patrick

Frances was a great Trade Unionist on Harlow Trade Union Council always very brave to fight for Equality and rights of workers and thier rights.Much Loved will be missed

Dan Long

RIP