Tributes are being paid to the leader of Hastings BC, who has died in hospital after what is thought to have been a stroke.
Labour councillor Jeremy Birch was admitted to hospital on Friday afternoon and had remained in a medically induced coma since then.
He had been a member of the council since 1998, leading the town hall for 13 years over two separate periods.
Responding to the news, Hastings BC said: ‘We were very sad indeed to learn of the death of the Leader of Hastings Borough Council, Councillor Jeremy Birch earlier today.’
His partner, Louise issued a statement through the town hall: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Jeremy Birch.’
‘The family would like to express their thanks to the critical care unit at the conquest hospital. We want it to be noted that the staff at the Conquest have been committed, compassionate and professional. We do not think we could have had a better service anywhere else.’
Twitter users took to social media to pay tribute to Birch following the news.
Peter Fleming, chairman of the Local Government Association’s improvement and innovation board, said Birch was ‘an honourable man and champion of local government he will be sadly missed’.
Brighton & Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat said: ‘Very sad news, my sympathies to family & friends’.
Sussex’s police and crime commissioner, Katy Bourne tweeted: ‘My thoughts are with family of Cllr Jeremy Birch tonight. So sorry to hear. I admired him as a politician & thoroughly decent human being.’
