Tributes have been paid to a stalwart Labour member and former mayor described as “the model of what a good councillor should look like”.

Tom Maddison, who was 77, served on Dartford council for almost 30 years and was remembered by his colleagues as someone who was looked up to by councillors from all parties.

Following his death on Saturday, Cllr Jonathon Hawkes, who is the opposition Dartford Labour Leader, said tributes had been pouring in from all sides of the council by those who had been impacted by Mr Maddison and who held him in high regard.

“Tom’s lasting legacy is his demonstration of what a good true community advocate looks like,” he said.

“He was a very passionate Labour party man but he knew when to put politics to one side and what he cared about most was the residents he represented and the community at Temple Hill.

“He was the true model for what a good councillor looks like and that is something as councillors we look up and aspire to be like, and what better legacy can there be than that.”

Cllr Hawkes said Tom, who lived in Wilmington, was the last of the Labour councillors elected when Tony Blair’s party took over the country in 1997 and stood for Wilmington East until 2007 and Littlebrook ward, part of the wider Temple Hill ward, until his retirement last year.

He was also the Dartford North East councillor on Kent County Council.

Mr Maddison was deputy mayor between 2000 and 2001 and mayor between 2001 and 2002.

Cllr Hawkes added: “He had such an impact on Dartford, the council and his fellow councillors. He had a lot of experience and wisdom and gave a lot of support to councillors on all sides of the chamber.

“He has been an outstanding public servant and a major figure in Dartford politics and he will be sorely missed.”

Green party councillor Laura Edie added her condolences.“I’m ever so sorry to hear this news,” she said. “Tom was a lovely man and truly cared about what was best for Dartford.”

‘He was the true model for what a good councillor looks like’

Deputy Labour leader Kelly Grehan said: “Tom’s contribution to the area is immeasurable. We know many people will want to join us in passing condolences to Tom’s family.

"Tom was never seen without his Charlton scarf and was also a trustee of RSPCA Dartford.

"He was very passionate about serving the community, was a real stalwart of Dartford and enjoyed being with people."

Tom leaves behind his wife Valerie, sons Mark, Paul and James and grandchildren Jemma, Chloe, Beren, Lauren, Millee, Ryley and Poppi. He was also great-grandad to Maisie.