Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a former Wandsworth councillor who has sadly died at the age of 48.

Conservative councillor Stewart Finn, who represented Bedford ward, served from 1998 to 2010 and was made as an Honorary Alderman of the borough during that time on the behalf of Balham and Tooting residents.

He served on several committees, including the licensing committee and regulatory licensing boards.

Councillor Ravi Govindia, Wandsworth Council’s leader, said: “Stewart was a sincere and passionate campaigner on the issues he cared deeply about. His loss at such a young age has come as a huge shock to all those who knew him.

“We will remember him as a warm and genial man with a tremendous sense of humour. He served the people of Bedford ward with great distinction for many years. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, especially his wife Elizabeth and his children.”

Hon Alderman Finn was also a deputy chairman of both the housing environment and public services committees, while serving on the education, social services, corporate resources, strategic planning and transport boards.

Councillor Fleur Anderson, Balham and Tooting represenative for Labour, said on Twitter: “Very sad to hear of the death of Stewart Finn, Bedford Ward councillor for 12 years & St Anselms parishioner.”