Shock as education chief passes away

CARRIE SUTTON

OLDHAM Council staff have been stunned by news that Carrie Sutton, director of education and early years, died suddenly at the weekend, aged 53.

Ms Sutton joined the council in August, 2015, and had been leading the borough's response to the Oldham Education and Skills Commission report that was published the following January.

Chief executive Carolyn Wilkins said: "Carrie's expertise and knowledge of education was invaluable. She was a highly respected member of the senior leadership team and had a fantastic working relationship with colleagues and councillors.

"Carrie was a fabulous team member and has made such a difference in a short time.

"She leaves a really strong legacy for us to build on.

"We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this news and we offer Carrie's family, colleagues and friends our sincerest condolences at this incredibly difficult time.

"She will be deeply missed as a colleague and a friend."

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: "I was really sorry to hear the news about Carrie's passing and my heartfelt condolences go to her family, friends and colleagues.

"In the relatively short time Carrie was director of education and early years she made a real impact on the service and her leadership and vision has helped move Oldham's schools along the road to improvement across the board."

Jim McMahon, Oldham West and Royton MP and former council leader, said: "Carrie made a huge impact on education in Oldham. She was a passionate and formidable public servant and the council will be hit hard by this terrible news.

"My thoughts are with her family at this time."

Oldham's Lib Dem leader Councillor Howard Sykes said: "My thoughts are with Carrie's family."

Ms Sutton, who was a mother, is understood to have died following a stroke.