A FORMER city councillor who served Worcester for more than 19 years has died.

Geoff Williams, who was diagnosed with cancer in the summer, only retired from the city council in May.

His death comes less than a week after councillors agreed to make Mr Williams an honorary alderman for his services to the city.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, deputy leader of Worcester City Council, paid tribute to Mr Williams in a statement.

He said: “Geoff had had a distinguished political career as a councillor in Southwark before the family – including children, Amy and Gareth - moved to Worcester and he worked at Coventry City Council until his retirement.

“Being a city councillor for 19 years he was most proud of his achievements on the planning committee, helping to shape the city and most especially chairing the committee when the plans for The Hive were approved.

“Geoff served in the cabinet and was deputy leader, as well as previously being chair of the scrutiny committee.

“Geoff was particularly keen on improving skills and opportunities for small businesses and economic growth in the city, creating real life chances for the people in his ward.

“Friends and colleagues paid tribute to a man who, for many, held the 'golden thread', treating his ward work, planning applications and other council business as part of a strategic whole to improve and enhance the city.

“A season ticket holder at Sixways he was also an ardent cricket fan.

“Geoff and his partner, Moira, had been looking forward to spending time walking and holidaying and having their first grandchild, due this month.”

Cllr Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said the death came as a "real shock” and was “very sad news”.

He said: "I worked with Geoff for a very long period of time.

"Geoff had a really high intellect and was thoroughly dedicated to his work as a city councillor.

“He is somebody I will miss and he is somebody who will be sorely missed by the people of Worcester.

“He was a tough opponent and a great speech maker.”

Cllr Bayliss said he hoped the news the city council had voted to make him an honorary alderman last week had reached Mr Williams.

Mr Williams was first elected as Labour councillor in 1999 to represent the former Holy Trinity ward before representing Gorse Hill.

He retired in May 2018 after 19 years as a councillor.

During his time as a councillor Mr Williams spent several years as chairman of the scrutiny committee and was also chairman of the planning committee when plans for the Hive were approved.

Following the announcement of his retirement, Mr Williams said: “I am quite proud of the Hive, it only just squeaked through the planning process, it’s a Marmite building, a lot of people didn’t like it.”

A former cabinet member, Mr Williams also served as deputy leader of the council.