The sudden death of a former political campaigner and council candidate has left party colleagues stunned.

Dover and Deal Conservative Association has confirmed Susan Davenport, who was described as “full of joy”, died last week, aged 62.

The animal-lover was born in Hackney and lived in Sidcup, Bexley, for 47 years before moving to Dover to retire in 2021.

She was involved in Conservative politics in Sidcup, sitting on the committee of the local Conservative Association, before she stood as the Tory candidate for Middle Deal in last month’s local elections.

Leader of Dover District Council’s (DDC) Conservative group and former council leader Trevor Bartlett told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “She was a very likeable person.

“I was absolutely gutted when I heard. I just couldn’t believe it, it just didn’t seem real.

“From what I knew of her she was a really determined, likeable lady who had her own mind and knew what she was up to.

“I just can’t believe what happened.

“It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

Ms Davenport is understood to have taken her own life.

Colleagues say she had no family as far as they knew, but cared deeply for her two dogs.

“Her family were her dogs which she left behind,” said Cllr Oliver Richardson (Con).

Despite living in Dover, “she wanted to campaign in Deal because she used to take her dogs walking there every day,” Cllr Richardson added.

“It was a shock for everyone.

“It was nice for her to volunteer. I think she was new not to the Conservative Party but new to us down in Dover and Deal Conservative Association.

“She was willing to help and sat in the office and did all sorts of things.

“I worked with her on the last elections; she was lovely to be with, full of joy, a keen campaigner for her ward in Deal.

“I just wish that she had spoken to someone, we’re all there to speak.”

According to a post on Dover Conservatives’ website, Ms Davenport had a law degree, and taught introductory courses on Buddhism and Criminology at an adult education college in Sidcup.

News of her death was shared with members of the Dover and Deal Conservative Association by chairman Keith Single.

He added: “She got involved as soon as she moved into the area, that’s how keen she was, and how valued.

“She was a very valued member of the campaign team and she will be sorely missed.”

Natalie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, said: “Susan was a bubbly and energetic local campaigner.

“She was a committed volunteer and always took time to listen to people on the doorstep.

“I heard the news of her death with shock and sadness. She is very much in my thoughts and prayers.”

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called to a report that the body of a woman had been found at an address in the Tower Hamlets area of Dover on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 20.

“Officers attended and the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”