Tributes pour in for former Sheffield Lord Mayor Anne Murphy following death

Anne Murphy who has tirelessly served the city of Sheffield – both as a councillor for the Manor Park ward and as the city’s Lord Mayor between 2017 and 2018 – passed away on the evening of Friday, December 23, 2022 following a short illness.

Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards is Sheffield’s current Lord Mayor, and worked alongside Anne in representing the Manor Castle ward in Sheffield.

Coun Richards contacted members of the council to inform them of the news of Coun Murphy’s sad passing on Christmas Eve 2022, and described it as the ‘worst thing’ she has ever had to do.

Paying tribute to Coun Murphy, Coun Richards said: “Anne was the best colleague you could have. She was enthusiastic, she was passionate. We knew she had been ill, she’d had to have two kidney transplants."

“She wasn’t ideological, she was passionate about [fighting] injustice and fighting for what’s right.”

"I’m just devastated. She was such a force of nature that it’s hard to believe she’s not here anymore.”

Coun Terry Fox, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “I’m heartbroken at the news of losing our dear colleague and friend, Coun Anne Murphy. Anne was an incredible woman, fighting for change, fighting for her constituents and my word, was she excellent at it.

“Anne first became a Councillor for the Crookes and Crosspool ward in 2014, then worked alongside me and Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards, as a Councillor for Manor Castle from 2021. Anne was also a former Lord Mayor of Sheffield from 2017-2018 – a role which she suited so well.

“Deeply rooted in the community she served; Anne was committed to delivering for Sheffield. I have fond memories of our time together, working on projects through our East Local Area Committee of which Anne was the vice-chair. Anne also played a huge part in tracking down and returning the flag from the British warship, HMS Sheffield, which is now proudly displayed in Sheffield cathedral.

“Anne had a strong voice, she was courageous, intelligent and supportive, I couldn’t have asked for a better comrade. My thoughts are with Anne’s family and friends at this difficult time - she will be missed by so many.”

Anne was one of the driving forces behind a successful campaign for one of a new fleet of submarine hunters being built for the Royal Navy to be named after Sheffield, following in the proud tradition of its forebears, the second of which was tragically sunk during the Falklands War.

The announcement that one of the Royal Navy’s eight new Type 26 frigates would be named after the city came in November 2018.

She has also been an instrumental part of the drive for Sheffield to be recognised as the home of football.

Speaking in March 2020 – as a 180-page document was unveiled at Sheffield’s Town Hall by the Sheffield Home of Football (SHOF) group – Anne, who was chair of SHOF, said: “Football is far more than just a game. That’s why it’s of paramount importance we develop our unique position as its home.

“The sport builds communities, encourages social cohesion, boosts health and well-being and is a major contributor to the economy.

"We want to use our heritage to make Sheffield a more attractive place to live, work, visit, invest and play.”