PETER Quaife, one of Kent’s best-known independent financial advisors, has died suddenly at his home in east Sussex. Mr Quaife, who was in his fifties, was the Kent Messenger Group’s longest-serving columnist, writing a financial column for the past 21 years.

He founded Maidstone Mortgage Centre, now based in Albion Place, Maidstone, nearly 30 years ago. He was a well-known and colourful local figure, often provoking controversy with his forthright views, especially about the financial policies of whichever government was in power.

Mr Quaife died at his home near Hastings where he had lived after a recent move from Coxheath.

Mike Lazenby, chief executive of Kent Reliance Building Society, based in Chatham, said: “I am shocked. The contribution that he made to financial services in Kent is going to be difficult to replace. He was an amazing man, always full of humour and with a total commitment to doing the right thing. He is going to be sadly missed by lots of people.

“He had an integrity that very few people in the industry possess. He was a giant in his field and will be sadly missed.”