Cllr Robert Watts, leader of Spelthorne Council, died at his home in Shepperton yesterday. He was 64 years old.
Cllr Watts represented the Shepperton Town ward and was elected to the council in May 2011.
Soon after his election he was given cabinet responsibility for the environment where he oversaw a number of projects such as the introduction of food waste collections.
Two years later cllr Watts took up the post of leader of the council and went on to serve on the Local Plan Working Party, Surrey Waste Partnership and the Surrey Local Committee in Spelthorne.
Before getting involved in politics, cllr Watts had a successful career in civil engineering.
Chief executive of Spelthorne Borough Council, Roberto Tambini, said: 'We are all terribly shocked by this sad news. Robert had a passion for politics and an unfaltering desire to improve the lives of the Borough's residents and the place will be all the poorer without him. I very much enjoyed working with Robert and will miss him greatly.'
Fellow Shepperton Town ward councillor, Robin Sider, said: 'I am devastated by this news. Cllr Watts was a great friend and colleague and his untimely death will leave a large void in our ward. He lived to work hard for the community and will be sadly missed by all.'
