THE unexpected death of a popular Wyre Forest district and Stourport town councillor has shocked family and friends, as well as politicians across the political spectrum.

Mike Partridge, aged 63, a former Stourport-on-Severn mayor, was transferred to Worcestershire Royal Hospital from Kidderminster Hospital on Monday and died peacefully in his sleep overnight.

Conservative Mr Partridge represented Areley Kings on Wyre Forest District Council, as well as serving on Stourport Town Council.

A qualified engineer, he was self-employed and, according to friends, planned to wind down his work life.

Tributes have been paid to a “great community champion”, a “straight-talking gentleman” and an “honourable man”.

Lesley Partridge, his wife of 41 years, said she had been in Wales visiting their son and two grandchildren when she heard he had been taken to hospital with shortness of breath.

She said: “His death was very unexpected. I spoke to him at 11pm that night and he was quite perky. He said they were just worried about his lungs and next morning he was gone. He died in his sleep.

“He was brilliant. He would help everybody. He was a real family man and a very loving husband. He was the type of man who got on with everybody. What you saw was what you got with him. We will miss him terribly.”

District council leader John Campion said: “I am devastated by the sudden loss of a great community champion. “Mike was a true local character, who always put his community first and for whom nothing was too much trouble.

“His loss will be difficult to come to terms with and a massive void is left in his community. His legacy will be his hard work for the community he loved and served with pride.”

Jamie Shaw, Labour leader on the town council, said he had been a “friendly” political rival” of Mr Partridge for more than 20 years. He said: “Mike was a practical fellow who was able to get a great deal done for the people of Areley Kings and Stourport.

“He had no airs and graces. Those who knew him in local political circles will very much miss his contribution.”

Jim Parish, Independent Community and Health Concern district councillor for Lickhill and party leader on the town council, said: “He was an honourable man. He was a great listener and a good friend to us all. I never heard him say a bad word about anybody. I respected him tremendously.”

Dave Little, Conservative leader on the town council, said: “He was a straight-talking gentleman. Everyone liked him. His death is a great loss.”

Funeral details will be announced when they have been finalised.