The leader of Sunderland City Council, Paul Watson, has passed away at the age of 63.

Cllr Watson, who became leader of the city council in April 2008, was considered a major figure in North East regional politics.

He was chair of the Association of North East Councils, which represented all 12 North East region local authorities and in 2016 he became chair of the North East Combined Authority (NECA).

He was also deputy chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and a member of the Local Government Association Executive Board.

Born in Pallion - a ward he would later go on to represent from 1997 until his death - Cllr Watson became an apprentice and worked as a shipwright until he was made redundant in 1981.

He then worked in German shipyards for a period before becoming self-employed and gaining an Honours Degree in Law from Teesside University in 1998.

Before becoming leader, Cllr Watson served as the council’s cabinet member for regeneration where he took a major interest in Sunderland’s economic development.

In 2013, Cllr Watson helped found the Key Cities Group, which now has a membership of 26 cross-party medium-sized UK cities. This group lobbies Whitehall for better and fairer deals for all parts of the UK.

Described as a staunch ‘remainer' by the council, he was also the chair of the UK Delegation to the Committee of the Regions in Europe.

‘Paul had many talents and among these were how, unlike some politicians, he could take a long-term view and see bigger and wider strategic points and issues,’ said deputy leader Harry Trueman.

‘He wanted to see Sunderland’s economy grow, see more jobs created and see that people could fulfil more of their aspirations and have more choice.

‘He, like many, could re-call when jobs, any jobs, were very, very scarce and when unemployment was far more common than now.

‘We can never be complacent or stand still on these things and while Paul recognised that Sunderland’s economy had re-invented itself, because all the jobs lost in shipbuilding and coalmining had been replaced, there was always more to do.’

Cabinet secretary, Cllr Mel Speding said: ‘Paul was a passionate champion for the people of Sunderland and the North East.

‘As chairman of ANEC and latterly of NECA he fought hard to get the right deal for Sunderland and the wider region and was not prepared to make do with second best.

‘He continued to fight hard for what he believed in to the very end.’

‘It is with sadness and great thanks that we recognise the huge contribution Cllr Paul Watson made during his years in public service, committed to enhancing the lives of people in Sunderland and across the North East,’ said the head of NECA, Helen Golightly.

‘He worked tirelessly, driven by his passion for social and economic betterment for all.

‘Paul’s dedication to the residents and businesses in Sunderland and the North East deserves to be celebrated. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.’