Tributes have been paid to a long-standing town councillor who served as mayor on three occasions.

Richard Parry was first elected to Sevenoaks Town Council in 1999 as a Conservative and held the position until 2023.

Town clerk Linda Larter said: “Richard was a very active and dedicated councillor both at Sevenoaks council and Kent County Council, he always wanted the town council to ‘punch above its weight’.

“He was instrumental in many of the town council projects, probably the most ambitious being taking over the Stag theatre, restoring Bat and Ball Station, and building the Bat and Ball Centre.

“He was also involved in the setting up of the House in The Basement Youth café.

“He contributed so much to the local community.”

During his 24 years in service, he also took on the role of mayor in 2002, 2007 and 2012, and deputy mayor in 2011.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Richard Parry’s passing…”

Current Sevenoaks mayor, Cllr Libby Ancrum, said: “We are deeply saddened by the news.

“Richard gave great service to Sevenoaks town, elected as a town councillor for 24 years and contributing his time as mayor for three terms of office.

“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Rachel and the rest of his family.”

Linda added: “We send our deepest condolences to his wife Rachel Parry, also a former town councillor and mayor, and his family and friends.”

He was a county councillor from 2005-2017.

“I will always remember his eloquence and the richness of his voice and above all, the courtesy he always imbued. He was a true gentleman…”

He leaves his wife Rachel, also a town councillor from 2015 to 23 and Mayor of Sevenoaks for 2022-3.

Cllr Roger Gough, leader of Kent County Council and county councillor for Sevenoaks North and Darent Valley, said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Richard Parry’s passing.

“We were elected to the county council at the same time in 2005 and served together as councillors representing Sevenoaks divisions.

“He gave important service, both as member for Sevenoaks West and in roles such as chair of the Scrutiny Committee.

"After leaving the council in 2017, Richard retained a keen interest in our work.

“Like many others at KCC, I will above all remember Richard’s kindness, encouragement and his interest in others.

"Whenever we spoke, he always wanted to know about developments and challenges at KCC and never failed to ask about my family.

"I am devastated for Rachel and their family and express my deep sympathies."

Roddy Hogarth, chairman of Sevenoaks Conservatives and leader of Sevenoaks council, said: “Richard was my mentor when I first became a town councillor.

“He was an energetic and creative councillor who believed Sevenoaks "punches above its weight", sometimes to the annoyance of SDC!

“The year I spent as deputy mayor was also a wonderful learning experience and showed me the right way to represent the Town.

“When I became a cabinet member at SDC, Richard, as a KCC councillor, was very helpful in establishing links for me with Officers at KCC. The issues we discussed are still playing out positively today.

“It was also very enjoyable to see him in action at the Biggin Hill Airport Consultative Committee, where he dealt with noise complaints diligently.

“Apart from the many kindnesses he showed to me and Mary over the years, I will always remember his eloquence and the richness of his voice and above all, the courtesy he always imbued. He was a true gentleman.”

Mr Parry flew with the RAF and then commercial jets for many years from Biggin Hill Airport.

He had a background in commercial software, working internationally, setting up and running his own software consultancy.

He was one of the original signatories to set up the Stag Community Arts Centre. He was also chairman of the Sevenoaks Conservative Association.

He supported many charities and community groups, including Air Cadets, Sea Scouts, Scouts, Spring House family centre, Royal British Legion, NALC (National Association of Local Councils), KALC (Kent Association of Local Councils).