TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a long-serving and respected councillor.

Hastings Borough Council leader Jeremy Birch died at the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards on Wednesday after a sudden illness.

Coun Birch was born and bred in Hastings and served on the borough council and East Sussex County Council for 20 years.

The Labour leader had been campaigning for his party in the run up to the general election, where Hastings and Rye is a key marginal seat.

Political colleagues, friends, and acquaintances have been among the many to pay tribute to the Labour councillor, who Hastings and Rye Labour parliamentary candidate Sarah Owen said: “I am devastated by the news that Jeremy has died.

“He was a friend and an inspiration to me. If anyone epitomised dedication to Hastings and St Leonards, it was Jeremy.

“Our local Labour Party is an incredibly close-knit family and Jeremy has been at its heart – we will all miss him deeply.

“Our thoughts are with Jeremy’s partner, children and grandchildren.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, Katy Bourne, said? on Twitter: “My thoughts are with family of Coun Jeremy Birch. So sorry to hear. I admired him as a politician and thoroughly decent human being.” Outgoing Brighton and Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat tweeted: “Very sad news, my sympathies to family and friends.”

Hastings and Rye Conservative parliamentary candidate Amber Rudd said: “Very, very sorry to hear about the passing of Coun Jeremy Birch. A man who cared passionately about Hastings and was admired by all.”

Brighton Housing Trust chief executive Andy Winter said: “Jeremy Birch wanted decent homes for all, fought poverty, strived for economic renewal for Hastings and was a strong supporter of the third sector.”

Coun Birch’s partner Louise made a statement of behalf of his family on Wednesday.

She said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Jeremy Birch. The family would like to express their thanks to the critical care unit at the Conquest Hospital.

“We want it to be noted that the staff at the Conquest have been committed, compassionate and professional. We do not think we could have had a better service anywhere else.”

Sara Owen, Labour parliamentary candidate for Hastings and St Leonards: “He was a friend and an inspiration to me. If anyone epitomised dedication to Hastings and St Leonards, it was Jeremy.

“Our local Labour Party is an incredibly close-knit family and Jeremy has been at its heart – we will all miss him deeply.

“Our thoughts are with Jeremy’s partner, children and grandchildren.”