THURROCK Council Leader Terry Hipsey has suffered a minor heart attack, but has already pledged from his hospital bed to be back at the helm of the authority as soon as possible.
Mr Hipsey, 44, underwent surgery 18 years ago to repair a heart valve and it is believed his current problems may be related, though he has had no problems in the interim.
In a message from Basildon Hospital the Stanford-le-Hope councillor jokingly described his position as undergoing ‘running repairs’ but accepted he may need a period of rest and recovery.
“I will be discussing with colleagues how best to proceed but I am confident of keeping a hand on the tiller, both in the short and long term.
“With my fellow councillors we are steering the council in the right direction through some choppy waters and it is a journey that I very much want to see through and complete.”
Colleagues at the council have expressed their best wishes, summed up by Labour group deputy leader Val Morris-Cook who said: “At times like this political differences are put aside and on both a personal and party level I offer Terry our best wishes and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.”
Her husband, Labour councillor Carl Morris also expressed his best wishes, saying: “Terry is a thoroughly decent, hardworking man and having come to know him well by working alongside him on the council I look forward to seeing him back in harness and making his contribution to the well-being of the borough.”
Thurrock mayor and fellow councillor John Everett said: “It was a shock to hear of Terry’s illness. I am sure I speak for everyone at the council in wishing Terry a speedy and complete return to health.”
Cllr Sue MacPherson, deputy leader of the council, said: “Of course this is a shock and our thoughts are with Terry and his family. We all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him getting back to the helm and leading us forward."
Thurrock Gazette
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