'Remarkable' Somerset Councillor Dean Ruddle dies aged 59

Dean Ruddle had been a councillor for more than ten years

Tributes have been paid to Somerset Councillor Dean Ruddle who has died suddenly at the age of 59.

Nicknamed 'Mr Somerton' he had represented the town for more than 10 years and was also Lead Member for Adult Social Care on Somerset Council.

Somerset Council Leader Councillor Bill Revans called him "a remarkable advocate for his community".

Mr Ruddle died unexpectedly of natural causes at home at the weekend.

He had also served on Somerton Town Council and South Somerset District Council.

Somerset Council Leader Bill Revans said: "Dean brought his business acumen to the role of Lead Member for Adults Social Care and with it showed dedication and compassion to those residents of Somerset who are most in need of our support.

"I know we will all be devastated by this."

'Relentless efforts'

Mr Ruddle's wife, Rachael, said: "He was such a kind-hearted man who wanted the best for everyone around him.

"This was shown through his relentless efforts and achievements in Somerton, surrounding areas and in Somerset as a whole.

"From the minute he woke up to the minute he went to sleep he did all he could to create a better life for all that surround him."

He is survived by four children and 14 grandchildren.

A by-election to replace Mr Ruddle is expected to be held in the spring or early-summer.

All casework relating to the Somerton division will be handled in the meantime by its other councillor, fellow Liberal Democrat Tim Kerley.