Torbay’s Mayor Gordon Oliver said: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt that Councillor Jeanette Richards passed away on Tuesday 4 December. Jeanette was a dedicated councillor who worked and witnessed many local authority changes over the years.

“The news of Jeanette’s passing has been met with great sadness here at the Town Hall, Jeanette was a tremendous councillor who cared and took a personal interest in her home town of Torbay. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

Executive Director, Steve Parrock, said: “Councillor Jeanette Richards worked hard to make a difference to the Bay. She has left a positive legacy and will be fondly remembered by myself and everyone else who worked with her.”

Councillor Richards was elected as a Torbay Councillor in 2000 and again in 2005 representing the ward of Blatchcombe until her sad passing, she had been ill for some time. While serving as a councillor for Torbay, she held various positions including Chairwoman of Development Control and, until recently, was the Executive Lead for Tourism and Harbours.