We’ve heard the sad news that Cllr Colin Hall, the Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of Sutton Borough Council, died recently after a short illness. He was only 53. Tributes have been paid to him.

Council leader Ruth Dombey said:

Colin was a wonderful colleague and a good friend. He was passionate about the borough and dedicated to his work as a councillor.

His particular interest was the environment and how to make Sutton a more sustainable place to live. He was highly respected across London for his knowledge and experience and tributes are flowing in from people who admired his work.

He was kind and generous and always ready to help and guide others.  Colin’s wife and three children are overwhelmed by depth and warmth of the huge number of tributes they have received.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Tom Brake MP said:

It was very clear that he was totally committed to Sutton and he had a particular commitment and interest in environmental issues. His passing will be a great loss to Sutton and my thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

The former local Conservative leader, Cllr Graham Witham paid a generous tribute:

Colin brought honesty, wit, charm and above all, a gentle courtesy to local politics which cross the party divide.  He will remain a role model to all of us who knew him.  In a time when manners are often at a premium he was unfailingly polite and in his specialist field he had a breadth of knowledge which one could only envy.