It was with deep sadness that Douglas Borough Council learnt of the death of Councillor Debbie Pitts, who died on Wednesday January 29, 2020.

Councillor Pitts was elected to the Council in 2012 and served as Mayor of Douglas for the 2017-18 municipal year. She was the current Deputy Mayor and a Member of the Housing Committee and of the Regeneration and Community Committee.

She served previously as a Member of the Standards Committee, and as its Chair from 2016-2018, and as a Member of the Environmental Services Committee.

She was the daughter of Councillor Stephen Pitts and of the late Dot Pitts, both of whom served as Mayor of Douglas.

Paying tribute, the Leader of the Council Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘Debbie brought an energy and enthusiasm to all that she did. As a Councillor she was dedicated to serving her Derby Ward constituents to the very best of her ability and as a life-long Douglas resident really understood their needs and aspirations.

‘As Mayor she brought a wealth of creativity and imagination to the role and made it her mission to open the doors of the Town Hall to as wide a cross section of the community as possible.

‘Her boundless concern for the welfare of others shone through and led to her raising £23,700 for the mayoral charity appeal with the support of her Deputy Mayoress, Mrs Linda Curphey.

‘On the day of her installation as Mayor in May 2017 Debbie said: “I hope to carry on the strong family tradition and make my own mark on the role of Mayor and local politics”.

‘I believe it’s fair to say that Debbie not only made her mark on her civic and political roles but she has also made her mark on all our hearts. She will be sadly missed by all those privileged to have known her.’

Debbie Pitts is survived by her father, Councillor Stephen Pitts, her sister Nicola Walkingshaw and brothers Stephen and Frankie.