Basildon mayor Luke Mackenzie dies after short illness

Luke Mackenzie, councillor for Pitsea South East ward, and the current Basildon mayor, has sadly died.

He has served as Basildon mayor since 2022. Luke was first elected as Basildon councillor for four years in 2008, before returning as a councillor in 2018.

Devastating - Basildon mayor Luke Mackenzie has sadly passed away (Image: Basildon Council)

Just four weeks ago, Luke told the Echo he was stepping back from council duties after being diagnosed with cancer.

In a statement, the Basildon Borough Conservative confirmed Luke has now tragically passed away.

They stated: “Basildon Conservatives are deeply sad to announce the tragic passing of our friend and brother Luke Mackenzie following a short illness.

“He was the 7th and current Mayor of Basildon and has served two terms in office. He was a Basildon Borough Councillor for the Pitsea South-East Ward since 2018 and an Essex County Councillor for the Pitsea Division since 2021.

“Luke was a friend to many, a dedicated and hardworking public servant, who believed passionately in Basildon. He will be sorely and sincerely missed by his many friends.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Luke was born in Basildon, attending St Teresa’s and Mayflower Schools.