TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Hove MP who died yesterday.

Mike Weatherley died peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer.

He served as the Conservative MP for Hove from 2010 to the 2015 general election.

He was unable to stand for a second term in 2015 due to his cancer battle.

Brighton and Hove Conservative President Mike Long said: "I was proud that Mike was elected during my term as chairman.

"He was a man of wide interests and formidable intellectual capacity and hard working.

"He was a good friend to Hove and Portslade. He will be sorely missed. We all send deepest condolences to his family."

Mike was a chartered management accountant and an expert in intellectual property.

He was appointed as the Prime Minister’s intellectual property adviser.

He later became vice chairman and European CEO of the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation.

He was active in charity work, raising money by taking part in long-distance cycling events.

His interests included rock and heavy metal music.

Steve Bell, Leader of the Conservative councillors group, said: "I had the honour to know Mike both politically and also outside of politics where our friendship began.

"He loved Hove and was so proud to represent the residents as their MP.

"He enjoyed his dream job in the city he loved until illness made him stand down."

Current Labour MP for Hove, Peter Kyle, said: "Upon the sad news of Mike Weatherley’s passing, I’m sending my very best wishes to his friends, family and all those who worked with him as you mourn his loss and celebrate his life.

"He served our community as MP with dedication and compassion for which I’m so grateful."