Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Sutton councillor who has passed away aged 45.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Adrian Davey was first elected in May 2010 to serve the residents of Stonecot ward.

Amna Ahmad, Liberal Democrat campaigner, told Sutton Guardian: "Adrian will be greatly missed by all of us in Sutton and in the Liberal Democrats. 

"He was a passionate, caring and kind man who did so much for his community and for the most vulnerable in our area. 

"I will miss his amusing insights, smiles and laughter in particular. At this most difficult of times we are all thinking of his wife and young daughters, and ask for their privacy so they have time and space to grieve." 

The Mayor of Sutton, Jean Crossby, said: “Adrian was a highly respected councillor and member of the local community. As well as representing his residents, and serving on a number of council committees, he worked for the Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group within the NHS and served as a governor at Cheam Park Farm Junior School.

“Adrian was passionate about equalities and was a true champion of diversity.

"He challenged discrimination and stigma in every walk of life and lead by example with his open, compassionate and inclusive attitude towards everyone he met.

"His understanding and expertise in mental health issues was outstanding and we all learnt a lot from him. We will all miss him greatly.

“I extend the condolences of everyone at Sutton Council in tribute to a dear colleague and friend. Our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts go out to his family, his wife and his young daughters”.

It's understood Cllr Davey had been suffering from an illness.