Tributes have poured in following the death of former Powys County Councillor, Maureen Mackenzie.

Mrs Mackenzie represented the Llanelwedd Ward on Powys County Council for the Welsh Liberal Democrats between 2008 and 2022.

Current Powys County Councillors have paid tribute to her, speaking about her dedication to the local community, her work on council committees, and her commitment to education and the arts.

County Council Chair, Cllr William Powell (Welsh Liberal Democrat, Talgarth), led the tributes, highlighting her lifelong dedication to public service.

He said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Maureen's passing. She was a hardworking and universally respected public servant, who always put residents front and centre of her concerns.

"In addition to her service on key Council Committees, Maureen was a member of the Fostering Panel for nearly 10 years, a Governor of Franksbridge CP School and Chair of Trustees of Wyeside Arts Centre.

"I was always struck by her commitment to culture and the arts and, as Chair of Trustees, she was a powerful advocate for the Centre. She also served as a diligent Governor of Franksbridge CP School at a time when its future was under threat."

Cllr Powell continued: "Maureen moved back to her native Scotland after her retirement in 2022 and she is survived by her husband Ian, their daughter Bethan and her stepdaughter Polly, and her family. They are all very much in our thoughts."

Cllr James-Gibson Watt (Welsh Liberal Democrat, Glasbury Ward), Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, also paid tribute.

"Many current Members will remember Maureen as a highly conscientious councillor who served the communities of the Llanelwedd Ward area with great dedication," he said.

"She was also a senior clinician working in the NHS. I am quite shocked and very sad to hear this news."

Cllr Joy Jones (Independent, Newtown East) added: "I am very sad to hear this news. Maureen was a dedicated councillor and a truly lovely colleague."

Mrs Mackenzie's successor, Cllr Gareth E Jones (Independent, Llanelwedd), paid his own warm tribute.

"It is very sad news. Maureen was my local Councillor and I considered her to be both a friend and a very open and honest person,” he said.

At Cllr Gareth Jones's suggestion, the Chair of Council has agreed to hold a two-minute silence at the start of the County Council AGM in May. This will honour Maureen Mackenzie's life and service, alongside other former councillors who have died during the past year.

Messages of condolence can be relayed to the family via the Chair's office at: [email protected]

Donations in her memory are being accepted by Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells, an organisation that meant a great deal to her.