A "veteran" Labour councillor of 24 years has died hours after his shock resignation.
Paul Kane stepped down from his Dewsbury East seat in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, which he has held since 1995, last week.
The reasons for his resignation or the cause of his death has not been revealed.
Party colleague Paula Sheriff has led the tributes to the 62-year-old who she described as a "trusted friend and colleague", Examiner Live reports.
She said: "Together with the whole of Dewsbury Labour Party, I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Clr Paul Kane.
"Paul was a stalwart of the Labour Party and gave much of his life to his role as a councillor.
"I know that he was very proud to represent his home town and was wholeheartedly dedicated to the role.
"On a personal note I will miss Paul immensely, he was a trusted friend and colleague who was always there to give help and advice whenever I needed it, even when it wasn't always what I wanted to hear!
"My thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Kane was the Mayor of Kirkless in 2015/16 and has been a high profile member of the party in recent years, serving as the chair of several planning committees in the council.
Kirklees' current Mayor Mumtaz Hussain, wrote on Facebook : "Paul Kane was a really dedicated person, life long socialist, lover of life family person and enjoyed a laugh.
"He was a role model for me, who I looked up to and is a credit to us all.
"Where I am today is because of all the help and guidance I received from this man who today we have lost but will always be remembered. R.I.P."
Kirkless Council has opened a book of condolence at Dewsbury Town Hall for residents to express their sympathies.
