A LONG-serving city councillor and former mayor of Worcester has called time on her political career as she recovers from a stroke.
Liz Smith, who has represented Claines for more than two decades, has reportedly been left paralysed from the waist down after being struck down by a spinal stroke last month.
Her sudden illness has led to a number of messages of support from members of Worcester City Council.
It is understood Mrs Smith, who was first elected to the council in 1990, would have stepped down from the council after next month’s election.
But fellow Liberal Democrat party member Sue Askin, who spoke at a full council meeting on Tuesday, March 31, said it still felt like an “end of an era” and believed Claines ward would be “poorer without her”.
“She was a guide and an inspiration to me in my early political career and she has over the years become a valued colleague and a dear friend,” Mrs Askin said.
“She has stunning qualities of determination, dedication, intellect and integrity and these qualities continue to shine through as she copes with her illness with incredible positivity.”
Mrs Askin also read out a statement where Mrs Smith revealed she was bed bound, but hopeful of a full recovery, while confirming her retirement.
“I hope I have served the residents of Claines well,” she said. “I have tried and I am grateful of the confidence and trust they have shown me through successive elections.”
Coun Simon Geraghty, leader of the city council, said Worcester owed her a “debt of gratitude” as she was also Mayor of Worcester between 1995 and 1996.
“I would like to record my thanks and appreciation to the significant public service that Liz has made to the council,” he said.
“I know the people of Claines appreciate what she has done for them, but she has also done a sterling job for Worcester.”
Coun Adrian Gregson, leader of the city’s Labour group, added: “It’s true to say that her tenacity in dealing with audit matters, constitutional issue and in the way she was dedicated to greater transparency and organisation of the council is something that we have all benefited from.”
Meanwhile, Coun Douglas Wilkinson, who has been a councillor for Warndon Parish North since 2007, has also stepped down.
