Long-time Isle of Wight Councillor, Shirley Smart, has retired, leading to tributes being paid.

After an incredible four decades in public service, Ms Smart has stepped down from Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, due to ill health.

She was first elected in 1982, to Medina Borough Council, representing Newport Mountjoy ward as a Liberal.

In 1989, she became a councillor for Brighstone and Shorwell and, in 1993, for Mountjoy.

Shirley was one of the original members of the 1995 unitary Isle of Wight Council, and she also chaired its planning committee.

She became leader of the Liberal Democrats at County Hall in 2000.

Despite losing her seat in the 2005 election, Shirley remained in public life.

She returned to County Hall in 2013, representing Newport South as an independent.

In 2021, she lost to its current councillor, but has continued to play a part at Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council.

Ms Smart has been a member of the local town council since 2008 and was its chair between 2022 and 2023.

She is also a committed supporter of Newport Carnival.

Paying tribute to her incredible record of service for the Isle of Wight, Cllr Martin Oliver said: " It has been a pleasure to work with Shirley over the last three years, for the residents of Mountjoy and Shide.

"She will be sorely missed, along with her vast experience and knowledge."

Long-time council colleague, Cllr Geoff Brodie, said: "I have known Shirley for 30-odd years.

"We were often political opponents, but we were always able to set that aside in the interests of Newport and Carisbrooke.

"She will be missed by me during my remaining time as a councillor."

At an Isle of Wight Council meeting last week, the authority's outgoing chair, Cllr Claire Critchison also paid tribute, saying: "Our thanks go to Shirley."

In 2015, Shirley married fellow well-known Isle of Wight Councillor Harry Rees. Mr Rees died, aged 86, in 2020. 

A presentation to mark Shirley's time in office is due to be arranged.