Tributes are being paid to former Latchmere ward councillor Maurice Johnson who passed away at the age of 84.

Mr Johnson, who was recently made an Alderman of the London borough of Wandsworth in recognition of two decades of public service as a Labour councillor, died "unexpectedly" on Sunday.

His daughter Laura Johnson said on Facebook that she felt like her heart had "broken into a thousand pieces".

She said: "84 years old and I thought he would live forever.

"I know my dad would want people to know so with the heaviest of hearts I share this news.

"Just pray for strength for my family, especially my mum."

Mr Johnson was first elected in 1990 and continued to serve on behalf of the people of Battersea until he stood down at the 2010 local elections.

Paying tribute, Wandsworth Cllr leader Ravi Govindia said: "Maurice Johnson was a man widely admired and respected by people from all sides of the political divide.

"He spoke with passion on behalf of his constituents and always behaved in a dignified, polite and friendly manner and with a smile on his face.

"It was this gentle and courteous outlook that won him so many friends and allowed him to achieve so much for those he represented.

"He was a thoroughly warm and decent man and one whose own personal experiences of being subject to prejudice, rejection, and on occasion hate, never stopped him from rising above it and reaching out to all.

"He will be sorely missed by those who knew him. My personal condolences go out to his family and friends, especially his wife Cynthia and his children."

Wandsworth councillors took to Twitter to express their condolences: