A COUNCILLOR has died less than a week after he was re-elected.

Labour councillor Simon Cronin died on Tuesday morning after a “short illness” just five days after he came out on top in the polls for a place on Worcester City Council.

Cllr Cronin was re-elected to represent the Nunnery ward on the city council for the fourth time in a row following last Thursday’s election, having been first elected in 2007.

Tributes have been paid by council colleagues across the political spectrum with Labour saying the loss of Cllr Cronin would be “felt very deeply.”

Worcester News:

A statement from the party said: “Worcester Labour Party and Labour councillors are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Councillor Simon Cronin after a short illness.

“Simon had represented Nunnery ward since 2007, serving people there with compassion and dignity.

“His re-election last Thursday with a sizeable majority stands as a testament to his popularity and effectiveness as a local councillor.

“Simon was passionate about his home city of Worcester, especially its culture and heritage. “He represented the city council on the conservation advisory panel and served as chair of the city council’s licensing committee.

“He displayed fairness and integrity in all his work as a councillor.

“Simon was also very well respected across the political divide, finding common cause with councillors of other political parties while remaining a proud representative of the Labour Party.

“His loss will be felt very deeply at Worcester City Council.”

Former council leader and Tory councillor Marc Bayliss also paid tribute to Cllr Cronin.

“So very sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and former colleague Cllr Simon Cronin,” he tweeted.

“We may have spent years on different sides of the chamber but he was always such a decent and fair person. Many will miss you, Simon.”

Green councillor Neil Laurenson also paid his respects tweeting: “This is going to take a while to sink in. I'll miss Simon's always-sound contributions at meetings and the chats afterwards. Can't believe he's gone.”

Former MEP and city councillor Jim Carver added: “Such a lovely and thoroughly decent man. I was privileged to have been able to call him a friend.

"My sincere condolences to all his colleagues, friends and loved ones. So very, very sad.”