Tributes have been paid after the death of Milton Keynes City Council Councillor Robin Bradburn.

Councillor Bradburn passed away on Saturday evening while in Brighton attending the Liberal Democrat party conference. He was 68.

Councillor Bradburn was the Leader of the City Council’s Liberal Democrat Group, as well as being the Deputy Leader of the City Council between 2021 and 2024 when a Labour-Lib Dem alliance ran the City Council, and the Leader of the Opposition after the Lib Dems were the second largest party after the latest elections. 

As well as fulfilling leadership roles, Councillor Bradburn served as a local councillor for Bradwell ward in Milton Keynes. 

Outside of local politics, Robin was a husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to his wife Marie for 40 years who together have a son Alan, a daughter Kerrie, and five grandchildren. 

Councillor Marie Bradburn, Robin’s wife is the current Mayor of Milton Keynes, and his daughter Kerrie is also a city councillor. 

The National Liberal Democrat Conference, taking place in Brighton this week, held a minute silence on Sunday (15/09) in honour of Councillor Bradburn, which was led by Liberal Democrat Councillor Nick da Costa, Chair of the Federal Conference Committee.

The family have asked for privacy at this time and further details of funeral arrangements will be made available in due course. 

Tributes have been made from a multitude of figures across Milton Keynes’ local politics.

Michael Bracey, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes City Council, said, “We are all so sad to hear that Cllr Robin Bradburn has passed away. He has served the council in a number of roles, including as Deputy Leader, and his work with officers of the council was always exemplary.”

Cllr Jane Carr, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in MK, added, “Robin was an amazing man, and we are all so shocked and hurt by his sudden loss. He was a good friend, colleague, and councillor, but above all he was a devoted husband to Marie, dad to Alan and Kerrie, and a loving granddad. He will be deeply missed by us all.”

Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said, “Councillor Robin Bradburn was a role model of public service. Robin served the residents of the city because he believed that we could make a difference to the lives of the people we represent. I’m deeply upset by the news having lost a colleague and friend.”

Cllr Shazna Muzammil, who paid tribute on behalf of the Conservative Group, added “The Conservative Group are sad to hear about Councillor Robin Bradburn passing away. On behalf of my group, I would like to express my condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at this very difficult time. Personally, I share a profound sense of loss; Robin was known for his kindness and generosity, and he will be missed by us all.”