Tributes have been paid to the former chair of governors at St Aidan’s School in Harrogate, who has died from cancer.

Claire Kelley, 64, held the position for 21 years, as well as working for Lord Willis of Knaresborough during his time as MP for the area.

Daughter Emily Murphy said, in all her work, she was motivated by a desire to put things right. Her involvement in local politics began soon after the family moved to Harrogate, where son Alex was born.

“She was always interested in politics, ever since university in Sussex. I think in a way, having children, she started thinking ‘I want to do something that makes a difference’.

“There were quite a lot of problems in the community in Harrogate and there was a lot that needed to be addressed. Having young children and seeing that made her want to do something about it and do some good.”

Claire met Harrogate councillor Reg Marsh through his work as a financial advisor. He persuaded her to get involved in supporting the Lib Dems, first through leafleting and later by standing as a candidate herself.

She won election to Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council and, in 2010, stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate to replace Phil Willis when he retired as MP, eventually losing out to Andrew Jones by just over 1,000 votes.

During the campaign, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successful radiotherapy treatment, Claire returned to work, taking up a post in the office of Leeds North MP Greg Mulholland.

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As well as politics, Claire became involved in the schools her children attended. She was a governor of Oatlands Infant School before becoming chair of governors at St Aidan’s in 1998. Five years ago, she chaired the trust board when the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust was established, uniting St Aidan’s with seven local primaries.

In 2018, after falling ill with suspected gallstones, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She underwent a complex operation which led to a long recovery.

A gruelling programme of chemotherapy treatment followed, which forced her to step down from her role at St Aidan’s in 2019.

Soon after, Claire was told the disease had come back and spread to her lungs. Last year, she decided not to undergo any further chemotherapy.

Her remaining months were spent with her family, enjoying playing with her two-year-old grandson and anticipating the arrival of a second grandchild. Emily said:

“She said to her friends she wanted to meet her second grandchild, which she did.

“We’re very lucky. My brother and I are really close and he has been incredible. Mum had such a huge support network – her neighbours, her colleagues, there are so many people she’s had close to her who helped enormously.”

Former St Aidan’s chair of governors and local politician Claire Kelley, who has died aged 64

After her condition deteriorated in January, Claire moved to St Michael’s Hospice, where she died a short time later, with Emily and Alex by her side.

She also leaves two grandsons, her brother and sister, and former husband Paul Kelley with whom she remained good friends and who was an invaluable support to her and their children through her illness.

Paying tribute to her, St Aidan’s headteacher Chris Burt said:

“Claire was an exceptional chair of governors who had a deep understanding of the school, the community it serves and the national context within which we operate. Her ability to see the most appropriate direction for the school to take, often in relation to the most difficult decisions, was extraordinary.

“Despite the challenges of the roles that she performed, Claire always had an incredibly joyful and positive outlook. Even during the period of her illness, Claire has maintained her active involvement in the work of the governing body and her dignity and resolve has been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of working alongside her.”

Claire’s funeral will take place at Christ Church in Harrogate next week, led by Rev Matthew Evans and the Ven Paul Hooper, a family friend. The congregation is limited to 30 people because of covid restrictions, but friends and family will also be able to watch it online.

A memorial will be planned by the St Aidan’s community when restrictions allow.