TRIBUTES have continued to pour in for former leader of Thurrock Council, Andy Smith, who passed away on Tuesday.
We will continue to add tributes as they come in.
The chair of Thurrock Labour Party,Colin Ricks said:
"On behalf of Thurrock CLP I would like to extend the party’s sympathy to Andy’s family.
"He will be sorely missed by party members and his fellow councillors. Andy worked tirelessly for the residents of West Thurrock, South Stifford and Purfleet only recently being re-elected in May this year.
"At party meetings Andy would always be a positive voice from the floor, offering advice and guidance to less seasoned members of the party. Future meetings will miss the contributions he provided to the debate, whatever the topic.
"Thurrock Labour Party have lost a councillor, comrade, friend and stalwart in the best traditions of the Labour movement and our party will be a sadder place without him."
Former Thurrock MP, Andrew Mackinlay said: "Andy Smith was a genuine socialist. I shall miss campaigning with him and I shall particularly remember being with him, earlier this summer in Purfleet.
"He was very proud of Thurrock and had an intimate knowledge of his West Thurrock ward.
"This was clear from the warmth of the response he got from voters. They appreciated his diligent and dedicated public service. He was a great friend and companion and will be sorely missed".
Labour’s parliamentary candidate, Polly Billington said: "Andy was a dedicated councillor committed to improving the lives of the residents he represented.
Andy listened and acted on residents’ concerns and aspirations. He was also a man of strong values, who fought and defeated the racism and intolerance of the BNP at the ballot box.
He believed that Thurrock could be a strong and confident community, even as it changed rapidly over the years he was a councillor, but only if we choose to make it so.
Former mayor, Carl Morris said: "I am very saddened by Andy Smith’s death. We have lost a political powerhouse today who gave Thurrock his best years."
South Basildon parliamentary candidate, Mike Le Surf said: "I was deeply saddened to hear about Andy’s death this week.
"In Thurrock and at the Labour party conference he was always great fun to be with and a true politician. A real gentleman and a first class councilor who will be sadly missed."
Thurrock Conservatives have also paid their own tributes.
Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price said: "Sad to hear of the death of my local cllr Andy Smith. A big beast of Thurrock politics. Always good company, he will be much missed."
The leader of Thurrock Conservatives, cllr Rob Gledhill said: "We are sorry to hear of the passing of Councillor Andy Smith and would pass on our condolences to his family.
"Councillor Smith had served the residents of Thurrock for over two decades and will no doubt be missed by many.
"His years of experience and dedication to politics and the community in Thurrock will not be soon forgotten".
