A FORMER councillor and Mayor of Hillingdon, affectionately dubbed the "people's mayor", has died.

Edward "Ted" Harris, who was a long-serving member of the Labour Party and a Hayes councillor for over 30 years, died of heart problems precipitated by a sudden stroke. He was 78.

Ted served as the Mayor of Hillingdon in 1994/1995 and he quickly endeared himself to people in the borough, ditching the frills that come with the ceremonial position in favour of a more informal, accessible approach.

Pat Quilter, Ted's sister and mayoress of Hillingdon during her brother's reign, fondly remembers their time in office and described him a true family man.

She said: "We had some wonderful times. Ted was very much cut out for a life in politics; he was very sociable and he always had time to spare for the people.

"He would never hesitate to help anyone, no matter what their political allegiance, and I think the main thing that people remember about him is his generosity. He will be sorely missed."

Messages from the political world paying tribute to the gregarious councillor have been flooding in.

Councillor John Oswell, Chairman to the Hillingdon Labour Group, said that Mr Harris "served the people well".

"Ted's reputation as a Trade Unionist went before him, he came to my attention when I moved to Hayes in 1970 and from then on he served people well as a Councillor for a number of years.  He kept up fine traditions in the Union movement and as a Councillor."

Peter McDonald, President of the Hayes and Harlington Constituency Labour Party, paid tribute to his close friend and praised his commitment to his political roles.

“Ted was a true representative of our local community and of the finest traditions of the Labour Party and trade union movement.

"He was a real Hayes man speaking up for the people of our area and never forgetting his roots. He was true friend and socialist”.

John McDonnell, the current MP for Hayes & Harlington, said: “Ted Harris was the salt of the earth, serving the people of Hayes unstintingly throughout his life.

"It was a privilege to work with someone of such dedication and commitment to our local community. He was a socialist to the core who I was so proud to be associated with".

Ted's funeral will be taking place at the East Chapel of Breakspear Crematorium, in Breakspear Road, Ruislip, at 11am on February 4.

Anyone wishing to pay their respects have been urged to donate money to a charity of their choice.

Did you know Ted? Do you remember his time as Mayor? Email editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk with your tributes and condolences.