Shock as former lord mayor collapses moments into Sheffield Council meeting

Sheffield's full council meeting - where all 84 councillors as well as officers and members of the public gather to discuss key issues - was stopped just a few minutes into proceedings when councillor Denise Fox, representative for Birley ward, required urgent medical treatment.

A senior councillor said she collapsed and staff at Ponds Forge, where the meeting was taking place, were quick to provide first aid.

Most councillors left the hall during the incident and said Coun Denise Fox was seen leaving in a wheelchair being pushed by her husband Coun Terry Fox, leader of the council, before they returned to their seats.

A senior elected representative said councillors Denise and Terry Fox went home where Denise is now resting.

At the end of the meeting, Coun Bryan Lodge, who is also a representative for Birley ward, passed on an update from Coun Denise Fox.

He said: “Councillor Fox has let us know that she is at home, resting. I'm sure she is sitting there watching us all now thinking 'well I'm glad that they are all still here at 20 past six'. Don't worry about it Denise that you have kept us all here this long.

"I think some colleagues have suggested that councillor Terry Fox pampers her but I think she has had enough hassle today without having to be put through that but she would just like to pass on her thanks to everybody for their concern and that she is okay."

Coun Gail Smith, Lord Mayor and chair of the meeting, added: "We are all pleased to hear she is okay and we send our best wishes."