Local authority leaders have offered their condolences to the Royal Family in response to the Queen’s death and remember her ‘high regard for local government’.

Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA), said: ‘I’d like to express our sincere condolences to the whole Royal Family on the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I have today written to The King following the news.’

Cllr Jamieson continued: ‘Her Majesty’s dedication to every one of us, alongside her continuous hard work and loyalty to her United Kingdom, was clear to see throughout her life. Her high regard for local government was also truly reflective in her focus and appreciation of councils’ work and determination in her annual Queen’s Speeches.

‘Councils have been proud to serve Her Majesty throughout her reign and will continue to do so by now putting into place local arrangements to support the public in expressing their own sympathies.’

These local arrangements will include the opening of public and virtual books of condolence, ensuring flags are flown at half mast, and overseeing arrangements for the laying of flowers in public areas.

Cllr Tim Oliver, chairman of the County Councils Network (CCN), said: ‘On behalf of councils in the County Councils Network (CCN) we would like to offer our condolences to the Royal Family after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sadly passed away today. She was the longest-ever reigning British monarch, and we pay tribute to her decades of public service.

‘Our thoughts are with her family during what is an exceptionally difficult time for them. With the country in a period of national mourning now, CCN’s member councils will be paying their own individual tributes and ensuring that local residents are able to share their condolences.’