Tributes paid to North East Lincolnshire former mayor

Tributes have been paid to Cliff Barber, who served as mayor between 2015 and 2016

Tributes have been paid to a North East Lincolnshire Council politician and former mayor following his death at the weekend.

Cliff Barber, 61, was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in April last year.

He was mayor between 2015 and 2016 and was known for his "big personality and constant smile", colleagues said.

The region's current mayor Ian Lindley described him as "a great ambassador" for the borough.

"The news of Cliff's passing is truly devastating," he said.

"We will all look back on his tenure with fondness."

As a Labour councillor, Mr Barber represented Freshney ward between 2008 and 2021.

Council leader Philip Jackson added: "I got to know Cliff well when he was a councillor then as mayor.

"He put his life and soul into the role. He was a great ambassador and was very popular.

"He will be sadly missed by all of us."

In a post on Facebook, North East Lincolnshire Labour said: "He was one of our own and will be profoundly missed by all of us."

"Cliff took immense pride in serving as mayor. As Grimsby's first citizen, he truly represented the best of us, making significant contributions that will be greatly missed.

"Our thoughts are with his family," the post added.