A COUNCIL leader has died after being in a coma.

Jeremy Birch, leader of Hastings Borough Council, passed away earlier today. [Wednesday]

He was taken ill while out in Hastings town centre on Friday afternoon and had been receiving treatment at Conquest hospital, St Leonards.

His partner, Louise, gave the following statement: “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.”

Sarah Owen, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Hastings & Rye, 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 & 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 wife, children and grandchildren.”

Others took to Twitter to express their sadness.

Alastair Monk said: “Sorry to hear of the death of Jeremy Birch from Hastings Council. If you agreed with his policies or not, he always believed in the town.”

Born and bred in Hastings, Coun Birch had served as a borough councillor in the town for 20 years.

He also served on East Sussex County Council for the same amount of time.