TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Major John Thomas, a former Kent county councillor and one of the central political figures in Thanet over in the last 30 years.

Mr Thomas, a staunch Tory, was a former party chairman for the South Thanet Conservative Association.

He was a member of Thanet council from June 1973 until May 1979, and its informal leader from 1974 to 1978 when standing orders were amended to allow the appointment of a leader and deputy leader.

He represented Ramsgate on Kent County Council from 1977 until 1989 and then again from 1991 to 1993.

During this time he served on a range of committees including education and social services. He was also chairman of the influential fire and public protection committee.

Peter Boothe, chairman of South Thanet Conservative Association, said: “John was a big personality and played a hugely significant role in the area and in the association. His presence will be missed greatly."

"He had a distinguished career in the Royal Engineers and served around the world. He was at the nuclear bomb tests at Christmas Island near Hawaii in the late 1950s.

“When he returned to Ramsgate he was heavily involved in the Conservative party and developing his property business.

“During the last few years of his life he faced a double trial of failing health through Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.”

Major Thomas leaves a widow, Janice, and children Caroline, Christopher and Clive.