TRIBUTES have continued to pour in for a ‘hard-working and formidable’ councillor following his sudden death just days after he was re-elected.

Labour councillor Simon Cronin died on Tuesday less than a week after he was re-elected for the third time in a row to Worcester City Council with a convincing victory.

Mr Cronin was described as “respected, well-liked and the calm voice of reason” as well as a “wonderful friend” by colleagues with warm tributes paid from across the political spectrum.

Remembering her uncle, Simon’s niece Natalie Cronin, said: "He was a greatly respected member of the community, a wonderful friend to many and a dearly loved brother, uncle and great uncle. He will be so sadly missed."

Continuing the tributes, Worcester City Council’s managing director David Blake said Cllr Cronin was “respected and well-liked” and “was always the calm voice of reason”

“His warm and friendly approach will be greatly missed by everyone,” he added. “It is incredibly sad that Worcester has lost such a kind and dedicated politician.”  

Labour colleagues and friends in Worcester were also quick to pay tribute.

Tom Collins, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Worcester, said: “Simon Cronin was an icon of Labour in Nunnery and on Worcester City Council. He will be greatly missed by so many of us. Thank you Simon for your years of dedication and fierce solidarity. It was far too soon and we miss you.”

In a tweet, Cllr Jabba Riaz said: “We have lost a loyal, trusted colleague, friend & cllr, who put Worcester first and foremost. He was red through and through and will always be remembered for his affectionate, calm demeanour & powerful arguments at council.

"We will miss you Simon Cronin.”

Former city councillor Joy Squires said: “Worcester Labour Party has been inundated with tributes to Simon, from across the country, across the political divide and from so many in Worcester who knew him as a friend. Simon was a constant in my political life and I shall miss him dearly.”

And Worcester’s former Labour MP Mike Foster said: “I can speak for all in saying it has been a difficult few weeks for those that knew Simon. It has been a shock to both friends and family. He will be sorely missed.”

But it was not just Labour colleagues who remembered Cllr Cronin fondly with political rivals also adding to the long list of tributes.

The city’s Conservative MP Robin Walker tweeted: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Simon Cronin, a long-serving Labour councillor and formidable campaigner in Worcester he was always friendly in person with many a joke amongst colleagues and opponents alike.”

Lib Dem councillor Mel Allcott said: “Myself and all Worcester Liberal Democrats are very saddened to hear of the passing of Councillor Simon Cronin. A kind, likeable and hard-working councillor who clearly cared for his residents. Thoughts are with Simon's family, friends and council colleagues.”

In another tribute, Worcester Green Party tweeted: “We are much saddened to hear of Cllr Simon Cronin’s passing. He was a fair-minded and honourable man who saw the best in others and strongly defended those most in need.

“He will be greatly missed. We send his family, friends and colleagues our best wishes.”