Tributes from across the political spectrum have come in after the passing of a Macclesfield councillor.

Councillor Stephen Carter passed away on December 29.

The Macclesfield Hurdsfield Cheshire East Councillor had represented his ward since 2013.

The ex-history teacher had just retired. The local Labour politician was a long-serving trustee of local charities The Green in the Corner, Fence Trust, Stanley and Brocklehurst Almshouses

He also volunteered at Macclesfield Junior Park Run and was a keen cyclist. He went to school in Bromsgrove before settling in our area. The father-of-two stood to be an MP twice.

In a statement, Macclesfield Labour Party had this to say about Cllr Carter.

"We are deeply saddened at the death of Cllr Steve Carter and send our condolences to his wife and children," they said.

"Steve will be very much missed by all his friends and colleagues.

"Steve represented the residents of Hurdsfield since April 2013 on Cheshire East Council and was a tireless campaigner for his community.

"Steve also previously represented Macclesfield South on Macclesfield Borough Council [where he was a former leader of the Macclesfield Labour group].

"Steve was our Parliamentary Candidate in 2001 and 2005, and was also a candidate for the European Parliament on two occasions.

"Steve lived lived to the full and had many interests and was an accomplished politician who stood by his Labour values in all he did.

"Steve recently retired as a teacher and always said that education was his real passion. The many tributes being paid by former pupils are testament to his commitment to the education of young people.

"Rest in peace Steve, you made a massive difference to the lives of many people."

Independent Tytherington Town and Cheshire East Councillor David Edwardes "I can hardly take it in that Steve Carter has died. Our excellent Cheshire East Councillor for Hurdsfield. RIP Steve."

In recent years, Cllr Carter maintained pressure on Cheshire Police to ensure a new PCSO would be instated in Hurdsfield, and he helped champion litter picking in Victoria Park.

His last tweet was a reminder of Cheshire East Council's homeless number, as temperatures were freezing across the country, which now serves as a testament of how he helped others.

Deborah Woodcock, Executive Director at Cheshire East Council, said: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of Councillor Stephen Carter's death on Thursday 29 December."

"Cllr Carter was a ward member for Macclesfield Hurdsfield and until very recently had been vice-chair of the finance sub-committee. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and the whole community. 

"Our deepest sympathies, and condolences of the council, go out to his family and friends at this difficult time."

In his spare time, Steve was a fan of rugby and rock music.

Hurdsfield's only Cheshire East representative also supported Macclesfield in football.

Macclesfield Mayor Fiona Wilson, who had been to see the Silkmen with Stephen along with her husband Brian, had this to say about the late Maxonian.

"Steve was a brilliant campaigner who worked very hard for his community," said the Macclesfield South Town Councillor.

"I was honoured to be his Agent when he stood for Parliament for Macclesfield in 2001 and 2005. He was Chair of the two charities I work for, and it was a pleasure to work with him in supporting our Almshouse Residents.

"Most importantly, he was my friend and I am proud to have known him. Rest in peace Steve."

Macclesfield Mayor for 2020-21 Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake said on social media: "He always put his heart and soul into everything he did and helped many people. He was a great mentor to myself as a new councillor and I am honoured to have been his friend. Rest in peace Steve."

The married father won his last election in May 2019, with 58.80 per cent of the vote share.

Cheshire East Conservatives posted on Facebook "It is with deep sadness that we learned today of the sudden death yesterday of our colleague, Councillor Steve Carter (Labour: Macclesfield Hurdsfield)."

Cheshire East Council Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Janet Clowes added: "Steve may not have been of the same political party, but he was a committed and hard-working councillor who always had the best interests of his residents at heart.

"He commanded our respect and I enjoyed working with him on the finance sub-committee, where his insight and good humour were always appreciated.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife and family at this very sad time."

Natalie Nutall of Macclesfield mental health charity The Smile Group also responded to the news: "So incredibly sad," she said.

"Steve supported The Smile Group in the early days & followed our growth. He was so kind with such generosity of spirit."

He was the most recent Chair of the Labour Group on Cheshire East Council.

Macclesfield South Town Councillor Neil Puttick added: "Steve was such a brilliant person: wonderful teacher, dedicated Councillor and community leader and inspirational figure in the Labour Party. You inspired me that a better caring politics for Macclesfield was possible. Love to family and friends."

Macclesfield man James Booth is a Cheshire East Green Party member and went against Steve in the local elections of May 2019.

"Steve was an excellent councillor and a really lovely man," he shared.

"Steve was extremely hard working and well respected as a Cheshire East councillor, and was a very decent and honourable opponent to stand against in 2019. He will be greatly missed."

A resident of his ward described him as "One of the kindest, most honest & hard-working of men. A warrior, a light amongst the darkest of souls & a voice for so many with none. Rest in peace Steve, you were one of Earth's Angels & will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know you."

Twitter has also been filled with former students of the teacher, sharing fond memories, where you can also leave a tribute.

Macclesfield Nub News expresses condolences to his friends and family at this difficult time.