Politicians, residents and community campaigners have united in paying tribute to “giant of Kingston politics” Steve Mama, who has died aged 82.

Mr Mama, who served as a Labour councillor for 38 years between 1964 and 2010, died suddenly in his home on Thursday, January 12.

Dozens of residents have paid tribute to Mr Mama for his work helping residents in the borough – particularly in Norbiton where he served for the majority of his time as a councillor.

Community campaigner Tessa Kind tweeted: “Steve Mama cared deeply for Kingston's community. He was always there to mentor me, guide me & share a sherry with. Rest up Steve."

Jane Young said: “Steve Mama was a legend. I knew him a little when I was a Kingston Council officer. Always cared, always spoke his mind. RIP.”

Mr Mama was first elected to then-named Park ward in 1964, eventually going on to serve Canbury ward and finally Norbiton.

He quickly gained a reputation for fighting for residents’ rights and was a devoted unionist.

In the peak of his political career he stood for Parliament in Taunton in the 1970 General Election, but was defeated having gained 36 per cent of the vote.

Such was his dedication to politics, he stood for one last time for Grove ward in the 2014 council elections despite his ailing health.

Former Labour councillor Julie Reay, worked alongside Mr Mama for about 12 years.

She said: “There’s a side of Steve which people just didn’t see - he literally helped thousands of people and he didn’t trumpet it – he didn’t make a huge fuss about it.

“When I was a councillor my daughter was actually quite ill. Steve came around and knocked on the door and bought her chocolates. That was just such a nice thing to do – he was just being kind.

“It was the everyday grind that he wasn’t necessarily known for. That was what gave him pleasure.”

Kingston MP James Berry tweeted: “Steve Mama was a very decent man who gave so many years of service to the borough. Condolences to Kingston Labour on losing a real institution.”

Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis simply tweeted: “Sad news. Giant of Kingston politics.”

A tribute released by the Kingston Labour Party said: “Steve has been a major contributor to the political life of Kingston: his comrades, fellow trade-unionists, and fellow residents shall miss him.”

Mr Mama moved to Kingston from Cyprus with his family at a young age and was one of the founding members of charity Kingston Race and Equalities Council (KREC).

KREC chair John Azar said: “He was a very difficult person if you didn’t know him, but as a campaigning goes I don’t think there was anybody like him.”

“It’s a big loss to Kingston.”

Outside of politics, Mr Mama became a daily visitor to the Greek Centre based at the Community of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and Greek School, in Borough Road.