‘As the first female council leader, Simone was a trailblazer’
Tributes have been paid to Honorary Alderman Simone Butterworth, the first female Leader of Hull City Council, who has died at the age of 77 following a short illness. Ms Butterworth remains the only female leader the council has had.
Ms Butterworth was first elected to represent the Avenue ward in 1994. The Liberal Democrat councillor went on to lead the council from 2002 until 2003.
The council’s current leader, Cllr Mike Ross, was first elected to the council during her period as leader. Commenting on the news of former Cllr Butterworth’s passing, Cllr Ross said: “Simone was someone who was dedicated to the city of Hull and the people she was elected to serve.
“Simone was renowned for her tenacity, always pursuing whatever cause she got behind with passion and belief. As the first female council leader, Simone was a trailblazer.
“She led the council during a difficult period for the authority, but while she only served as leader for one year, her commitment to the city and community was unswerving during and after this time. My condolences go out to her family and friends.”
Cllr Ross also paid tribute to the former leader during the council’s cabinet meeting held on November 24. A minute’s silence was observed during the meeting.
Among other appointments, she was a board director for Hull Truck Theatre. Flags at The Guildhall have been flying at half-mast in tribute.
Is Hull the best place to live in Yorkshire? You can have your say by completing the poll below or by clicking here.