FORMER Brighton Mayor Bob Cristofoli died yesterday, three days after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Mr Cristofoli, who was also leader of the Tories on Brighton Council, suffered a severe stroke seven years ago and had been cared for in a Hove nursing home.

Of Italian descent, Mr Cristofoli started his political career as a Liberal but soon switched to the Tories, becoming group secretary.

He had a tough time as leader and mayor in the 1980s as the Tories began losing control of the council after more than a century in power.

Mr Cristofoli, who was unmarried, was keen on housing and Robert Lodge in Whitehawk is named after him.

After leaving the council, he was often called on to undertake difficult roles such as chairing angry tenants’ meetings.

Another former Tory councillor Mick Toner paid tribute to his colleague.

He said: “He was a good man who did a lot for Brighton.

“He was always fair.”

Mr Cristofoli, a keen cricket fan, supported Sussex County Cricket Club and often went to matches at Hove.