A former politician who led Rochester upon Medway Council for 10 years has died.

Conservative Doug MacInnes, 86, became a councillor in the 1970s and was chosen as leader of the authority in 1981, a post he held until he lost his seat in the elections of 1991.

Mr MacInnes (pictured left) was heavily involved with efforts to rejuvenate the former Chatham naval dockyard during his time in office and was made a CBE in the 1989 honours lists.

He worked as general manager of Kent Art Printers. Former colleagues on the council recalled him with affection.

Cllr Jane Chitty said: "I worked with him for a long time. He was a gentleman, very caring, devoted, and an honourable man. He always made himself available. He always had time for me."

Cllr Ted Baker, who next week will be made Mayor of Medway for the second time, said: "He was a very dour, but positive, man. He did a lot of good in the city."

David Jones, who was editor of the KM Group's daily paper, the Evening Post, recalled Mr MacInnes' years in charge of the authority.

He said: "Doug MacInnes was a quietly spoken Scot, whose manner belied the iron grip he had on the council.

"There were frequent rows about the way the council was being run and accusations that a small clique of committee chairmen - all Conservatives -were treating the council like their own personal fifedom.

"People today might say 'so what, nothing's changed' but it was different then. Allegations were always flying about concerning dubious goings-on, but nothing was ever proved.

"Some of the rows Medway's politicians get involved in today are quite tame by comparison.

"On a personal note, Doug MacInnes was an affable character with a good sense of humour."

Mr MacInnes died in Cardiff General Hospital with his wife Margaret at his side. He also leaves a son, David, daughters Sheila and Anne, and five grandchildren. David is flying from his home in Australia to be with his family.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

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