Tributes to long-serving Bradford councillor with local election in Idle postponed after her death
Liberal Democrat Councillor Jeanette Sunderland has represented Idle and Thackley for three decades
Last updated 2 hours ago
TRIBUTES have flooded in for one of Bradford’s longest standing and most respected Councillors.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, who represented Idle and Thackley and was first elected onto Bradford Council over three decades ago, died on Monday.
Councillors from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to Cllr Sunderland, calling her a “tireless and determined voice” for the city.
She was due to stand for re-election next month, and her death means the local election in Idle and Thackley has been postponed until June.
Councillor Brendan Stubbs, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Bradford, said: “The Lib Dem family and I in Bradford, and across the country, are shocked and saddened to learn that Cllr Jeanette Sunderland has passed away.
“For those of you who knew Jeanette personally, you will know that she was a fit and active individual.
“Diagnosed with cancer in 2024, Jeanette underwent treatment and threw herself into recovery. She faced her illness with characteristic strength and determination.
“A regular at Eccleshill Pool and Ilkley lido, Jeanette was always active and proud of her recovery journey.
“She took part in Park Run’s 5km her way, helping others with cancer to take part and has been out campaigning ahead of the May elections, where she was standing for re-election.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her husband Andrew, her daughter Rachel, and all her wider family and friends.
“As a local councillor for Idle and Thackley, 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.
“We take some comfort from knowing that she was able to spend her final days surrounded by her family at the Marie Curie Hospice.
“Jeanette and her family fundraised for the hospice for many years.
“Jeanette trekked in Iceland last September, raising much-needed funds for the charity.
“Jeanette’s passing is a huge loss to our community and to the wider district. She leaves behind a lasting and positive legacy through her work, her values and her campaigning.
“Thank you, Jeanette. You were a brave and beautiful soul.”
Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “This is painfully sad, and my heart goes out to Jeanette’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“As one of Bradford’s longest serving councillors, 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.”
Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, Leader of the Conservative Group said “We are shocked to hear about the passing of Jeanette.
“Our thoughts go out to her husband, daughter and wider family and her Liberal Democrat colleagues. She fought her cancer in typical Jeanette style, just getting on with it without fuss.
“She never complained and always worried about others and not herself. I know she cared deeply for the residents in Idle and Thackley and loved being a councillor.
“She was passionate about children and young people and getting them the best start she could. Swimming was a real focus for her, and she often spoke in the council chamber about improving access to swimming for children.
“She leaves an amazing legacy of her years of dedication. Our condolences to her family and Liberal Democrat colleagues.”
Councillor Matt Edwards, leader of the Green Party in Bradford, said: “Jeanette was fearless and no-nonsense, but she was also incredibly generous. She gave everything to being a local councillor and to serving Bradford, especially the young people she cared so deeply about.
“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.”
The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mohammed Shafiq said: “I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Cllr Jeanette Sunderland. She spent decades representing the people in her ward and she was a tireless and passionate local councillor. She will be remembered by colleagues across the chamber and will be missed by everyone but leaves a positive lasting legacy. I would like to send condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.”
Few Councillors would disagree with the claim that Cllr Sunderland was one of the hardest working and most passionate Councillors in Bradford.
When she raised concerns about issues like youth services, children in care and swimming provision in meetings you could tell it was because she genuinely cared about the issues, and not because she wanted to score political points.
On scrutiny committees she was a force of nature – making sure no stone went unturned while grilling Council officers or other public officials.
And, as a reporter, if you saw her name on your incoming calls, you knew you’d need to set aside a good 40 minutes as she’d have plenty of issues to raise as she looked to do the best for her constituents.
At what would turn out to be her final full Council meeting last month, Cllr Sunderland gave a heartfelt speech about public service during a section of the meeting where Councillors who are not standing for re-election gave their final speeches.
Although her comments were in tribute to her outgoing colleagues, they highlighted her passion for being a councillor.
She said: “There isn’t a greater service than public service.
“This goes to everyone in the room, from whatever party, we appreciate and recognise your contribution to life in this district.
“There is no one other than your colleagues and your family that will ever get to grip with what the life of a councillor is like.
“The long hours of work, the sacrifices you make to fulfil the service to the public.
“We see people at their very best and their very worst, but we don’t turn them down, we pick them up and help them.”