STOURBRIDGE Conservative Party members have been left shocked at the sudden death of former councillor Colin Wilson.

Mr Wilson, who stood down in 2014 after ten years as councillor for Pedmore and Stourbridge East, passed away in the early hours of this morning – a few weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 74.

Tributes have already begun flowing in for the popular party member who was previously chairman of Stourbridge Conservative Association.

Dudley South MP Mike Wood, who until recently held the Pedmore ward seat vacated by the former cllr, said: “Colin was my processor on Dudley Council and I know how enormously respected and well-liked he was locally.

“As well as being an outstanding councillor and colleague, Colin was a good friend. I've known him for more than 30 years, since I was at primary school with his son, and it is hard to believe he will no longer be around for advice, guidance or just a good chat. He will be very sadly missed by us all.”

Councillor Les Jones, ward councillor for Pedmore and Stourbridge East and former leader of Dudley Council, said: “It’s a terrible tragedy. Colin was so nice and was such a gentleman – everybody respected him.

“He was a bit of an anachronism; he was from a much gentler time in history. He was just such a lovely man. People of all political persuasions had enormous respect for him.”

Mr Wilson, a retired civil engineer, became active in politics after John Major lost his premiership to Tony Blair. He said rather than moan about the way things were he decided to “help locally and change things around a bit”.

He played a key role in Stourbridge MP Margot James’s election campaign in 2010 and she said: "He was out every single day and he was great fun.

"He was a very kind man and absolutely lovely to work with.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour and he worked really hard for residents."

During his time on Dudley Council he was a popular chairman of the development control committee and vice chairman of the old Stourbridge Area Committee.

But after a health scare he decided to quit the council chamber two years ago – in the hope of spending more time with his family and indulging his passion for sport and holidays.

He remained an active member of Stourbridge Conservative Association and was the present deputy vice-chairman of Pedmore Conservatives.

Mr Wilson was also involved with charities - the Sebright's Educational Foundation, St Thomas's Community Network and Mary Stevens Hospice – as well as being a feoffee and governor of Old Swinford Hospital School.

Paul Kilbride, headmaster at Old Swinford Hospital, said: "Colin was a popular and well-known former parent, current governor and feoffee at Old Swinford Hospital.

"His support for the school, especially its musical and sporting life, was tireless and hugely appreciated by our pupils.

"His contributions to discussions, both at governors’ and feoffees’ meetings were always informed and purposeful.

"We are incredibly grateful to Colin for all he did for us and we will miss him terribly."

Mr Wilson, who lived in Pedmore, leaves a wife of 45 years - Helen, a son - Andrew, and two young grandsons - Thomas and James.