David Busby

Tributes have been paid to Babergh District Council’s deputy leader Cllr David Busby, who died last night (Sunday 27 July) after a long illness.

Together with current leader Cllr John Ward and co-deputy leader Cllr Deborah Saw, David was an integral part of Babergh’s coalition political leadership team.

First elected in 2003, councillors described how he served his ward of Copdock and Washbrook with dedication and distinction.

He continued to represent the Liberal Democrat party and serve as deputy leader and cabinet member without portfolio despite surgery and ongoing treatment as a result of a cancer diagnosis in 2023. 

He also served within the cabinet, on the joint constitution working group and represented Babergh on the Local Government Association Assembly.

Babergh District Council leader Cllr Ward said:

“Dave made an invaluable contribution to this council.  He served his community and our district with distinction to the very end.  He will be a huge loss to our council and his presence, wit and humour will be very much missed.  

“I have known Dave for 10 years and it was with great pleasure that I was able to appoint him to a coalition cabinet in 2019. He made an immediate impact and was a very effective cabinet member, holding at various times the Assets & Investments and Planning portfolios, always providing insightful contributions and sage advice. I will miss him greatly and our thoughts and condolences are with Dave’s family.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Babergh, Councillor Lee Parker, added:

"Dave’s passing will be deeply felt by everyone in the Council Chamber. He was a passionate advocate for his constituents above all else, and his wealth of experience meant his views were respected across all sides of the Council. Dave was a conviction politician – principled, but always fair – and his calm, reassuring presence will be greatly missed.

“On behalf of not only the Babergh Liberal Democrat group but councillors across the Chamber, I offer my sincere condolences to his family."

Needless to say everyone in Babergh South Suffolk Liberal Democrats are heartbroken at the passing of Dave. We will miss his humour, his leadership but above all his laser focus on serving his electors rather than indulging in petty political games