A serving Epping Forest Council cabinet member and former MP has died aged 72.

Cllr Gary Waller had been working as the local authority’s safer, greener and transport portfolio holder, as well as a representative for Lower Sheering Ward.

Cllr Waller was first elected to the council in May 2011 and went on to work on several committees and panels, including the Essex Police and Crime Panel.

Cllr David Stallan, chairman of Epping Forest Council, paid tribute to his “colleague and friend" Cllr Waller, adding the district had lost a “great councillor”.

Cllr Stallan said: “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of my friend and colleague Gary Waller. We are all stunned by his sudden death.”

“I worked with Gary on the cabinet for many years. He was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the safer, greener and transport portfolio he represented.

“He had a wicked sense of humour and always stood up for what he believed in, even if it was unpopular. We have lost a great councillor who will be sorely missed.”

Before moving into local politics, Cllr Waller had represented two constituencies as a Conservative MP over a period of almost 20 years.

He was Member of Parliament for the Brighouse and Spenborough constituency in Yorkshire from 1979 until 1983, until the seat was abolished after boundary changes.

He was then elected MP to the nearby Keighley constituency in 1983, serving until he lost he seat in the 1997 General Election.

Epping Forest Council leader, Cllr Chris Whitbread said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s death.

“On behalf of the conservative group, I offer sincere condolences to his family and to all who knew him.

“Today, we mourn together the loss of a dear friend and hard-working local councillor.”

The council flag outside the local authority’s offices in Epping has been lowered as a mark of respect to Cllr Waller.