Tributes have been paid to an “extremely hard-working” and “committed” former councillor who represented his community for more than 20 years.

Cllr Matthew Balfour, who served on Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC), has passed away just before Christmas.

The 70-year-old represented Birling, Ryarsh and Leybourne from 1999 until 2003 before serving Downs and then Downs and Mereworth until 2019.

During his time as a borough councillor, he sat on several committees and advisory boards and was a cabinet member for planning and transportation and later the portfolio holder for innovation and service delivery.

In 2022, he was made an Honorary Alderman of TMBC marking his dedication and commitment to his community.

The Conservative was also a member of Kent County Council (KCC) from 2013 and 2021 representing Malling Rural East and was, at one point, the cabinet member for highways.

Paying tribute, the leader of TMBC, Cllr Matt Boughton, said: “I was extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Matthew Balfour.

“Matthew was a brilliant character. He could be blunt and direct, and very much had an irreverent sense of humour.

“I occasionally had my head in my hands thinking about what he would say next. But he was great fun, extremely hard-working, and totally committed to public service across Tonbridge and Malling.

“Just a few days ago I was in touch with Matthew through his role as chairman of Kent Nature Partnership, one I know he thoroughly enjoyed.

“His passing is untimely, especially at this time of year, as he made the most of life.

“My thoughts are with all of Matthew’s family. He will be missed. Rest in peace.”

The leader of KCC, Roger Gough, added: “Matthew Balfour made a great contribution to KCC and to life in Kent.

“He was also a warm, funny and clever man. In KCC, he took on the tough job of cabinet member for highways, and gave service in many areas, including chairing the Kent Nature Partnership.

“Along with many members and officers at KCC, I mourn Matthew’s passing and will remember him with huge affection.

“I would like to express my sympathies to Matthew’s family and his friends from so many walks of life.”

The retired chartered surveyor also sat in the management committee at the Kent Downs and High Weald Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was a member of the Kent Nature Partnership and a school governor.

Cllr Balfour also held positions on the board at the Rochester Bridge Trust and was a member of its education, grants and archives committee.

Chief estates officer at the trust, Tim Cathcart, said: “Matthew was a lively, engaging member of the board of trustees, bringing many years of lived experience to the role, he will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”