TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Worcester city councillor whose sudden death has shocked family, friends and former colleagues.

David Candler has been described as a kind, generous, intellectual, humourous and entertaining companion, as well as a dedicated and hard-working local councillor.

Mr Candler, who worked directly under Prime Minister Harold Wilson during his time in 10 Downing Street, has been described as a passionate democratic socialist who dedicated his life to the Labour Party, which he joined aged 17.

On Monday afternoon, Mr Candler, aged 71, collapsed and died at the bottom of London Road, Worcester, while on his way to a Worcester Community Trust meeting.

City councillor Marc Bayliss, a former Labour member now in the Conservative cabinet, led the tributes.

He said: “He was quite possibly my best friend in politics. He was a truly wonderful guy, a man of real intellect and humour.

“He probably taught me more about life and public office than anyone else.

Despite my change of allegiance, we remained best friends. He will be missed.”

During Mr Candler’s career he worked for Hertfordshire County Council and Greater London Council, while he was also a journalist and honorary secretary of the Local Government for Europe Group. He represented Labour in the city’s St John’s ward since 2003 but stood down at this year’s local elections so the party could “look to a new generation to replace old stagers like me”.

It also meant he could spend more time watching Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Lord Faulkner of Worcester worked with Mr Candler at the Labour Party’s Transport House headquarters in the late 1960s.

He said: “David was an entertaining companion, with a fund of indiscreet political stories, and a good friend.

“He was also a passionate democratic socialist who believed fundamentally in internationalism and the European ideal.”

Robin Walker, Worcester’s Conservative MP, said Mr Candler was “a great example of a hardworking local councillor”.

Labour councillor Geoff Williams said: “An entertaining companion, with strong views, I shall always remember his catchphrase, ‘I have to tell you...’ “I last saw him a week or so ago when we shared a glass or two and inevitably talked about the fortunes of the Labour Party. I shall miss those conversations.”

Mr Candler, of Foley Road, St John’s, is survived by his wife Sarah, their three children and grandchildren.