TRIBUTES have been paid to Wawick district councillor Jonathan Nicholls who has died following a ‘tragic accident’.
Details surrounding the death of the district Labour group leader who represented the Clarendon ward have not been disclosed.
Warwick and Leamington Labour MP Matt Western said: “I’m devastated. Jonathan was a very close friend as well as a political colleague. He had a long and stellar career in UK Higher Education operating at the very highest levels and was highly regarded.
“More recently, of course, he became involved in local politics. He was an intellectual giant but also a great pragmatist, working cross-party – when appropriate – to find consensus if possible and I valued his counsel greatly.
“My thoughts are with his wife Sue and his family.”
Kelly Box, chair of Warwick and Leamington Labour Party, added: “I know he will be greatly missed by so many people in the community who will know him through his work as a dedicated councillor.
“In the Labour Party, he was both an esteemed colleague and friend to all. Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Warwick District Council chairman Neale Murphy said: “Jonathan was a well-respected and well-liked member of the council, known to many across the district and in his Clarendon ward and local community.
“Jonathan Nicholls had worked as a councillor for three years and was an active member of the Labour Party, he was also a registrar at the University of Warwick until 2003 and had remained in close contact with them since.
“I have personally written to Jonathan’s family on behalf of the council to send our sympathy, and as a mark of respect, I have asked that the flags at the town hall be flown at half-mast today.”
