Wendron’s Cornwall councillor Mike Clayton has died suddenly today.

Mr Clayton, who was ‘planning champion’ for the whole of the county, died unexpectedly in the early hours of this morning.

Among the first to pay tribute to Mr Clayton was fellow Cornwall councillor Andy Wallis, who described Mr Clayton as his mentor.

Writing on his blog, Mr Wallis said: “The people of Cornwall and the council have lost a true servant. I first met Mike many years ago, and I can say he is the one who got me into politics after a planning site meeting in Porthleven in which I was making a point in my usual way.

“He was also the first to congratulate me on my election to Kerrier District Council and took me under his wing in the early days. I was always willing to listen to any advice Mike gave. He was one of the few people I have met in politics whose advice was worth listening to.

“He always called me 'kid' and I like that term. To me he was like that favourite teacher you had; not always agreeing with his every point, but understanding and respecting his side of the discussion.”

Mr Clayton was behind the ongoing project to bring more affordable homes to the county.

  • A full tribute will appear in Wednesday’s Packet. You can leave your tributes to Mr Clayton by writing in the comment box below.