Tributes to former Labour Burnley and Lancashire County Councillor Marcus Johnstone
Tributes have been paid to Marcus Johnstone, a long-standing and respected figure in the Burnley Labour Party, who has died at home.
Mr Johnstone, who died suddenly at home at the weekend, represented Labour in the Rosegrove and Lowerhouse ward on Burnley Borough Council for several years, as well as serving on Lancashire County Council.
He had stepped back from frontline politics in recent years, due to ill health but described himself as “a lifelong socialist and Everton fan” on his Facebook page.
Burnley’s Labour MP Oliver Ryan paid tribute saying: “I know the whole Burnley Constituency Labour family will be deeply upset about the sad passing of Marcus.
“He was a life-long Labour man, a local and county councillor and more. Today, I want to pay tribute to his life, his public service, his politics and his willingness to always get stuck in, whether at meetings, at council, or in campaigning for Labour representatives.
“I know he will be missed, and we all share our love and best wishes with him and his family at this difficult time.
“As a life long Everton supporter, Marcus would be thrilled we've now got a ‘toffee’ in number 10. Rest in peace, Marcus.”