Mike Snelling, county councillor and former leader of Gravesham council, has died after a short illness.

Cllr Snelling, 66, returned from a brief visit to his daughter's family in Australia nine days ago.

He was taken to Darent Valley hospital where he died on Friday.

His wife Heather, speaking at her Meopham home, said: "We are trying to come to terms with our loss and have been comforted by the many messages of condolence.

"He was most known to people as a politician but he was first and foremost a devoted father and doting grandfather."

Tributes have been paid by many people to the ex-leader, who was a member on Gravesham council for 24 years.

County council leader Paul Carter said: "As a County Member and as a ward member for Gravesend, leading the council and more recently the Gravesham Conservative group, Mike made an enormous contribution to Kent and for the people of Gravesham."

Gravesham Borough Council leader Cllr John Burden said: "This is awful news and my thoughts are with Mike's family at this difficult time.

"Mike was a formidable political opponent as well as a faithful servant to the borough and all his constituents. He will be missed by the whole council."

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