Tributes to 'one of a kind' Peterborough city councillor who has died after battle with illness

Councillor Goodwin first became a councillor in 2006 when she was elected to serve Orton Longueville ward.

Since 2016 she has served the Hargate and Hempsted ward.

Councillor Goodwin had been unwell for the past few months.

Councillor John Holdich, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Councillor Janet Goodwin. She will be so very missed by all those who knew her and I send my heartfelt condolences to her family at this sad time.

“Janet was one of the most hard-working councillors I have had the pleasure of serving with and she was well liked, admired and respected by councillors across the political spectrum and the residents who she served so passionately.

“Whatever role she was asked to perform, she always gave it her all and did her very best for the people of this city.

“Janet cannot be replaced as she was one of a kind, but we will remember her smile and her determination to make Peterborough a better place for everyone.”

Councillor Goodwin, 77, was born in Peterborough and lived in the city most of her life.

She was a businesswoman who owned hairdressing salons and training companies throughout the course of her life. She leaves behind a daughter and grandson.

During her time with the council, she served as cabinet advisor to the leader, cabinet member for city centre management, culture and tourism and she was a member of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority.

More recently she was chair of the children and education scrutiny committee.

North West Cambridegshire MP Shailesh Vara paid his tributes to cllr Goodwin, and said: "This is incredibly sad news. I knew Janet for many years as a friend and close colleague, and my sympathy and condolences go out to her family.

"She was an outstanding councillor, greatly liked and respected and hugely committed to serving those whom she had the privilege of representing on Peterborough City Council.

"I shall miss her enormously as well as many others in the community who knew her."

Stewart Francis, former Chair of Vivacity said “Janet served on the Vivacity board for several years. She was great supporter of the charity and all who worked for it. She was a great champion of Peterborough and I shall personally miss her greatly”