VETERAN COUNCILLOR JOE MURPHY (CLAREMONT) PASSES AWAY

The veteran Labour councillor and former Ceremonial Mayor of Salford had served admirably as a councillor in the City since 1971, most recently representing the Claremont Ward.

The former professional footballer, who once played for Rochdale, became ceremonial mayor in 1992 whereupon his fund raising managed to raise a whopping £48,000 for the Prestatyn Holiday Camp (Salford by the Sea / Jam Butty Camp), which provides holidays for Salford children. Joe also served as deputy chairman of housing as well as lead member for environmental services among other rolls.

As tributes poured in, Rebecca Long-Bailey was among the firstto respond to the news with a heartfelt post on Facebook praising his years of service and dedication to Salford.

Joe was a popular councillor who was adored by those who knew him. His love of Salford was unquestionable and his personality endeared him to others.

A true community councillor if ever there was one and a shining example to all.

He was never afraid to use his words or to take action to get his point across, doing so during last years Labour leadership election by showing his unfaltering support for his party and its leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Joe was a co signatory of a letter of support along with Kate Lewis and Stephen Coen for the beleaguered party leader, at a time when other Salford councillors were signing letters against him or choosing not to get involved. 

Local bedroom tax campaigner Maria Brabiner said... 

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"He was my Councillor for years when my home was part of the old Blackfriars Ward. A very popular Councillor and will definitely be missed. RIP x"

Whilst Peter Gunn wrote...

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"All the best Joe. You leave Salford a better place than when you come into it. That is a legacy."

Meanwhile on Twitter Cllr John Warmisham gave praise to Joe which was shared by many including Labour's Barbara Keeley..

Very sad to hear that Cllr Joe Murphy has passed away. I worked closely with him for a number of years. A great servant to Salford. RIP pic.twitter.com/MAjuRUWxux

— John Warmisham (@Cllrjwarmisham) May 21, 2017

Conservative councillor and election candidate for Worsley & Eccles South, Iain Lindley also led tribute to councillor Murphy.

Sorry to learn of the death of Cllr Joe Murphy - thinking of his family, friends and colleagues this evening.

— Iain Lindley (@cllrilindley) May 21, 2017

Tributes continue to flood in on the SalfordOnline Facebook group, as many people were left shocked to hear the news of his death, touching messages were left recounting many fond stories of Joe from friends and constituents he had helped out along the way.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Dorothy (Dot) as well as his children. He will be dearly missed by all.