Tributes paid to 'community champion' councillor Barry Duffin

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 suddenly at his home earlier this month, with friends and colleagues speaking of their sadness.

The Conservative has served as councillor for Forncett, covering The Forncetts, Tacolneston, Tharston and Hapton and Wacton at South Norfolk Council (SNC) for eight years, having first been elected in 2015.

He has also served as councillor for West Depade at Norfolk County Council since 2021.

John Fuller, the leader of SNC, described Mr Duffin as a dedicated husband who had been with his wife for almost 60 years, having met his partner, Pam, 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.”

Clayton Hudson, an independent councillor at SNC, also paid tribute.

He 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 passing.”