At an emotional council meeting, councillors paid tribute to their colleague and former mayor Cllr David Wood who died overnight on July 6 after an illness.

Cllr David Wood, represented Nonsuch ward and joined the council in 1995 and held the office of mayor in 2006 and 2007.

He held the chairmanship and vice chairmanship of several committees and subcommittees, such as the licensing and planning policy committee, and was a member of several working parties, groups and panels.

Cllr Michael Arthur said: “David was a deep thinker, his local knowledge and background served him well.

“As a member of the planning committee for most of his 23 years, his contributions were carefully evaluated and most valuable.

“David was very supportive of me. I mourn his tragic and sudden loss to the council and community.”

Cllr Graham Dudley said: “David was an outstanding ward councillor; he knew every stick and stone of every house, every blade of grass and was much admired for his defence of the character of Nonsuch ward, including its precious green belt.

“I am certain that the residents he represented have every reason to be grateful for the service he rendered them over so many years and for which he will be sorely missed.

“It was through David’s encouragement that I was persuaded to stand for the council myself something for which I often thanked him and blamed him in equal measure!”

Cllr Chris Frost said:“David’s passion and pride was being a lifelong Ewell resident. He was educated at Epsom College. I think that was the only time he spent away from Ewell!

“The school has a reputation for producing medical experts of the future but clearly it was also very good at producing future financial experts like David.

“I remember using the word Epsom as an abbreviation to refer to the borough. Any time I did that in his hearing he was very quick to add ‘and Ewell’ - but with a smile.

“His extensive knowledge of the Nonsuch area was unparalleled, and we are all going to miss this and his finance and planning knowledge”.

Labour Cllr Vince Romagnuolo said: “Although we did not often agree politically, I was always impressed with David’s knowledge of planning.

“I have fond memories of his 60th birthday party to which he invited councillors of all political parties. I would on behalf of the Labour Party like to pass on my condolences to his family.”

Conservative Cllr Omer Kokou-Tchri said: “We all send our condolences to the family."

The date of the by-election for the seat in Nonsuch ward will be announced when determined.