FRESH tributes have been paid to a notable councillor, who died suddenly earlier this year.

At the last full meeting of South Lakeland District Council in 2018, councillors remembered Ian Stewart, aged 65, of Sandside, near Milnthorpe.

Cllr Stewart was a “towering figure” on the district council, who was respected on all sides of the political fence, said SLDC leader Cllr Giles Archibald.

“He was a wonderful colleague, a committed public servant and an outstanding local councillor.  He leaves behind a legacy of achievement which will last for a long time,” said Cllr Archibald (Lib Dem, Kendal Town).

Conservative opposition leader Ben Berry said one of his favourite pastimes was “winding up” Cllr Stewart, who enjoyed getting angry with him.

Cllr Berry (Con, Windermere) said: “He was never afraid to tell the truth even when that truth was hard to hear. He was a fantastic politician who was always willing to negotiate to a consensus to get things done. We’ll miss you Ian.”

Labour group leader Mark Wilson (Lab, Ulverston East) praised Mr Stewart’s “ideas, enthusiasm and energy”.

He said: “He would have liked to have been considered a political beast but I’m sure he will now be a lamb, lying down with the lion. He will be missed.”

Cllr Stewart, a Liberal Democrat, was a former chairman of SLDC and the deputy leader of Cumbria County Council.

He died on October 21, leaving behind a wife of 33 years, an only son and a grandson on whom he doted.