Ashford Borough Council leader Cllr Peter Wood has died suddenly, a week after stepping down from his position at the authority due to ill health.

The ward member for Saxon Shore led the ruling Conservative party since November 2010 and announced last week he was temporarily stepping down after undergoing a major operation.

Cllr Wood (pictured right) died on Friday night, the day after his 63rd birthday.

Ashford MP Damian Green led tributes to Mr Wood, saying: “I am obviously very saddened by his death and I’m sure all our thoughts are with Peter’s wife, Sheila, and his family at this time.

“Peter was a leader of great energy and integrity. He was only ill for
a short time, which makes this all the more shocking.

“Ashford has lost a good man and this will be a big loss to the whole borough.”

Cllr Wood was elected to the council in 2003 and became a member of the then executive (now cabinet) in May 2007, where he was portfolio holder for Housing and Communications.

As housing portfolio holder he was heavily involved in the Stanhope PFI and the council's delivery of the affordable homes programme. He remained a keen advocate of affordable rural housing and the remodelling of sheltered housing.

In May 2010 he became deputy leader and in November 2010 he became leader.

The Ashford Borough Council flag will fly at half-mast until the funeral, for which a date has yet to be set.

Labour councillor Brendan Chilton commented on Twitter: "Sad to hear the news that Cllr Peter Wood has died. A gentleman, man of integrity who always listened even though we differed politically."

Announcing his decision to step down temporarily in a letter read out to the last full meeting of Ashford council, Cllr Wood said he had hoped to return to his duties at the end of March when he had recovered from his operation.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson is acting leader and council decisions will continue to be taken by the cabinet under his leadership.

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