More tributes have been paid to the first woman leader of Norfolk County Council following her death at the age of 78.
Celia Cameron led the council from 1993 to 2001 and was also the authority's first Labour leader.
She received a CBE for her services to Norfolk and local government in 1999.
Mrs Cameron, who lived in York Street, Norwich, died last month after a short and serious illness.
Sir Steve Bullock, who was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 2007 Birthday Honours for services to local government, praised her actions.
In 1997 the Local Government Association was created by bringing together the former associations that had represented District, Metropolitans and County Councils.
He said: “Celia played a very important role in bringing different groups together and making the new association a success.
“I worked at the LGA and got to know Celia well and valued her friendship, kindness and humour in the years that followed. She was a lovely human being.”
Celia Cameron, former leader of Norfolk County Council (Image: Newsquest)
Former colleague Mick Castle, who worked alongside her between 1993 to 2001, said: “Celia Cameron was a remarkable leader of Norfolk County Council who made a real difference to the way it operated.
“She will be missed greatly.”
County councillor George Turner, former leader of the Labour Group, said: “Celia and I worked together for many years on the full range of county council business.
"We shared many productive hours outside formal meetings in developing and promoting policy issues.
“Celia was certainly a good campaigning party politician but put the interest of the people of Norfolk before party advantage.
“Outside of politics, Celia was good. social and dependable friend. I know I will be far from alone in missing her.”
Celia Cameron (centre) during a campaign to stop Norfolk library closures (Image: Newsquest)
Educator Barbara Harriss-White said: “Ce was a special figure in the set of people surrounding - though not directly working in – the School of Development Studies at the UEA in the 1970s and 80s.
“Whenever debates rose into the sky, she brought them down to earth. Whenever social justice was buried under the needs of industrialisation or nation-building, she dug it up.
"When our understanding of development got elasticated ‘out there’, she would bring it back to local problems which she was determined to address – and which she did.
“In York Street she did all this not just with conviction but with great style and great food. The decades now separate us but she will never be forgotten.”
READ MORE: Obituary - Former Norfolk council leader Celia Cameron dies
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Elected as County Councillor in 1997, Tony Adams added: “Although not of my political persuasion, I came to greatly admire Celia. Not only did she rule her group with a rod of iron she also had the ability to rattle at times my party.”
County Councillor Ian Mackie, vice chairman of the Norfolk Conservative Group, said: “My sincere condolences to all of Celia’s friends and family, particularly John, who I remember very fondly from my years at the UEA School of Development.
“The County Council has enjoyed the best of local leadership, some memorable characters too, all deeply committed to the county we call home, all wanting the very best for the residents which we serve.
"Celia was one of those towering figures in the leadership of Norfolk County Council. We give thanks for her life of service.”
Finally, Carrie Miller added: “I remember Celia from my younger days when I was the mid Norfolk Labour party youth officer and Aylsham branch secretary.
“A lovely lady who will be sadly missed.”
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