TRIBUTES have flooded in following the tragic death of ex-councillor Tony Dunn this week which sent shockwaves through the town.

Members of the Marlow community were stunned to hear of the news.

Former Marlow Mayor Cllr Doug Anson said: “I have lost my best friend, he wasn't just a colleague or a councillor, we drank together, we laughed and joked together.”

The pair often met at The Royal Oak pub in Marlow, where Mr Dunn was a well known figure.

Cllr Anson, who represents Marlow at Buckinghamshire County Council as well as a Marlow Town Councillor, said: “He will be badly missed, not only by his friends such as myself. He was such a devoted family man, a devoted husband and father.”

Cllr Anson said: “There's a lot of people who need to look at their laurels and the pressure that was brought to Tony, he's had some knocks in the last couple of years.

“What he was accused of was not nice.”

Mr Dunn told Cllr Anson to distance himself from him in the run up to a recent election because it could damage his chances of regaining his seat.

However, Cllr Anson said he would rather not stand than give up their friendship.

Cllr Anson said. “Some people painted with with a brush which really didn't fit and the comments would come back to me used to make me a bit livid because I knew the true Tony Dunn.

“You couldn't get a more genuine man, I wish all people could be as straight as Tony Dunn.”

“He was a man I could always turn to for advice, his knowledge was second to none.”

Wycombe District Council leader Lesley Clarke said: "This is shocking and terrible news.

“Everyone who knew Tony at the District Council and I'm sure Marlow Town Council will be stunned to learn of his death under what appears to be tragic circumstances.

“Our heart goes out to his family at this very sad time. I knew Tony well and will miss him greatly. He did a lot of good work for the district and Marlow in particular."

Buckinghamshire County Councillor David Caroll said he was “absolutely devastated”.

“I have known Tony for many years not only as a councillor but as a person, he's well known for achieving a lot for Marlow. He was a person's person.”

James Penlington, the manager at the Royal Oak Pub in Frieth Road, Bovingdon Green, where Mr Dunn was a regular, said: “Tony was a very familiar and friendly face who will be greatly missed by all and our thoughts are with the family.”

If you would like to pay your tributes to Mr Dunn please contact jnadal@london.newsquest.co.uk.