Tributes and shock after news of Melton councillor's sudden death

She continued to deal with council work but her condition deteriorated quickly after she was admitted to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Mrs Manderson, who was 65, was the mother of two daughters, Fiona and Laura.

Fiona said: “The reaction from people has been fantastic - people have been calling and texting since they heard.

“It’s quite comforting for Laura and I that so many people liked and respected mum.”

Mrs Manderson was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and she has had ongoing treatment since then.

Her condition worsened considerably in the last month.

Fiona said: “She continued to work when she felt well enough.

“When we checked her phone she had recent emails from constituents which she was dealing with.

“Mum’s council work was so important to her.”

Born in Rippingale in Lincolnshire, Mrs Manderson used to work for the Raymond Mays BRM motor racing team.

She married Duncan and the couple moved to Melton in 1989 when he was posted to a local RAF base. They divorced 15 years ago.

Conservative Mrs Manderson was first elected to Melton Council in 2007. She was serving her third term after winning one of the three seats for Melton Sysonby ward in May 2015 with 913 votes.

Fiona added: “Mum loved helping people in Melton, she always said it was such a great community.

“She made so many friends you couldn’t walk down the street with her without her meeting someone she knew.”

Mrs Manderson served as chairman and vice-president for the Rutland and Melton Conservative Association.

It’s chair, Mary Anne Donovan, said: “Councillor Manderson was held in the highest regard by everyone who knew or worked with her.

“Her loyalty and commitment and the warm support and encouragement she gave to everyone in the association, and to the community as a whole, was remarkable. Valerie will be truly missed.”