Former Kirklees mayor and long-serving councillor Cahal Burke took his own life after leaving a note for his family, an inquest has concluded.
Mr Burke, who represented the Lindley ward for more than 15 years and served as Mayor of Kirklees, was found unresponsive at his home in Lindley on March 9. He was 48.
Assistant Coroner Charlotte Keighley reached her conclusion following a written inquest, where documentary evidence is considered without a public court hearing.
The Record of Inquest stated that Mr Burke had left a typed note for his family before his death, indicating his intention to take his own life and referring to being reunited with his mother.
The coroner concluded that, based on the circumstances and the contents of the note, it was “more likely than not” that Mr Burke had intended to end his life.
A conclusion of suicide was formally recorded.
Mr Burke had been a familiar figure in Kirklees politics and community life for many years.
He was first elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor for Lindley in 2010 and went on to serve as Mayor of Kirklees in 2023.
Following his death, tributes were paid by people across the political divide and from within the communities he had represented during his years in public office.
At the time of his death, Mr Burke had recently been suspended by the Liberal Democrats and was subsequently listed as an independent councillor.
He had also been on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of an online sexual offence. No determination had been made in relation to the allegation before his death.
West Yorkshire Police has been approached for comment.
For those who knew Mr Burke personally, worked alongside him or encountered him through his years of public service, the conclusion of the inquest brings formal clarity to the circumstances surrounding his death, while leaving a family and community continuing to mourn his loss.
