A COUNCILLOR has died after battling illness.

Gosport Labour councillor Jill Wright died on Tuesday aged 69.

Mrs Wright served as a Gosport borough councillor for 16 years, initially representing the Rowner ward followed by the Bridgemary South ward after a boundary reorganisation.

She also served on the borough council’s housing committee, was mayor in 2001/02 and was treasurer for the Gosport Labour party.

Following a break from politics, she was re-elected to the council in 2012 where she represented Bridgemary North ward, a seat she held until her death.

Outside politics, Mrs Wright was the practice manager at Bridgemary Medical Centre for 26 years.