Forncett-based councillor Barry Duffin dies unexpectedly, sparking tributes from those who knew him

Tributes have been paid after the unexpected death of a popular councillor at the age of 74.

Barry Duffin, a district and county councillor, died following a fall at his home earlier this month, with friends and colleagues speaking of their sadness.

The Conservative had served as councillor for Forncett at South Norfolk Council for eight years, having first been elected in 2015.

Chairman of the South Norfolk Council Conservative Group, he also served as county councillor for West Depade since 2021.

South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller described Mr Duffin as a dedicated husband, who had been with his wife, Pam, for almost 60 years, having met when he was 16 and she was 14.

“They spent a lifetime together, almost 60 years – it was a lifetime partnership,” he said.

“Barry was a valued councillor. He sat on the board of Norse and, for many years, had played a big hand at Saffron, our social housing provider, as a director.

“He was a real community champion in every sense of the word and will be sadly missed.”

Prior to being a district councillor, Mr Duffin served on Ashwellthorpe Parish Council for 28 years.

Independent councillor Clayton Hudson said: “We were both elected in 2015 and I considered him my most trusted friend and ally in local politics.

“He was a true gentleman and I feel so lucky that I got to know him.

“Family, community and compassion were front and centre in everything he did.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Pam, his daughter and the family as we mourn his death.”

At an initial inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, assistant coroner Johanna Thompson gave the cause of death as an intracranial haemorrhage after a fall.

The hearing was adjourned with a full inquest expected to be heard later this year.