One of our most dedicated, hugely respected and long-standing campaigners, Linda Bailey, sadly passed away on the 25th January 2022. Our thoughts are with her family and friends, who also very recently lost Linda’s husband, Bill.

During her decades of support for our Association and the Conservative Party, she was a hugely successful Chairman between 1998 and 2001, when we took back control of Bexley Council.  Linda was Mayor of Bexley during the Millennium year, and, a first class Councillor and civic leader.

She was first elected as a local Councillor in 1986, with a short break between 1994 and 1998. Linda served as Ward Councillor for the Bexleyheath, Danson and Crook Log wards, the name and precise area changing over the years as the result of boundary changes.

On Bexley Council, Linda held many official positions, including serving as Bexley’s Mayor during the Millennium year and was a member of the Council’s first Cabinet. Her focus was initially on schools and children’s services and later in development, town planning and regeneration.

Rt Hon  Sir David Evennett,  MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, said:

“I am so sad to learn of the passing of Linda Bailey - an excellent Councillor, loyal Conservative activist and a champion for Bexley. She will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Linda.”

Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of Bexley Council and fellow Crook Log Councillor, paid this tribute:

“Linda was unwavering in her commitment to serving the borough and our residents. She devoted time and energy over many years to making life better for local people, with much success. But everyone who knew her will remember first her warmth and friendly manner. Her loss will be felt by all those who knew her as a friend and worked with her.”

Mark Brooks OBE, President of Bexleyheath and Crayford Conservative Association, provided this tribute:

“On behalf of all of us at Bexleyheath and Crayford Conservative Association, our thoughts and prayers are with Linda, her husband Bill and their family.

“Linda was a True Blue. For decades she helped us win elections, provided fantastic support to the residents she represented on the council and worked tirelessly on behalf  of everyone across Bexley. Above all, she was a great friend to us all. She will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Linda.”