Tributes have been paid to “valued colleague and friend”, Bucks County councillor Martin Phillips, who represented Amersham and Chesham Bois.

Cllr Phillips, who was Amersham mayor from 2009 to 2011, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 24, a council spokesman confirmed today.

He was cabinet member for community engagement and public health at the county council.

Council leader Martin Tett said: “Martin Phillips was a valued colleague and friend. As a member of the County Council Cabinet he had a major role in developing community services and building strong relationships with town and parish councils across Buckinghamshire.

“Martin was actively engaged with the volunteer sector which he passionately supported. He will be greatly missed by all of us in all parties on the County Council.

“He leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill.”

An Amersham Town Council member, cllr Phillips was elected to represent Amersham and Chesham Bois in June 2009 and quickly became chairman of the county council's Local Area Forum for his area.

He was invited to become cabinet member for community engagement in June 2011 and, four years later, added public health to his portfolio.

His funeral will be held on Thursday (December 8) at St Mary’s Church, Amersham.