Former Lib Dem Harrow councillor took own life, coroner rules

A HARD working and likeable former Harrow councillor who was found dead in a car park took his own life, a coroner has ruled.

Alastair Alexander, who represented Rayners Lane ward for the Liberal Democrats from 1994 to 2002, was discovered in a red Ford Ka in Watford on the afternoon of Monday, September 26.

The 44-year-old, who leaves a 10-year-old son, was pronounced dead at the scene.

At Hatfield Coroners Court on Tuesday, deputy coroner Graham Dandury recorded a verdict of suicide, after the cause of death was given as asphyxiation due to the inhalation of products of combustion.

At the time of Mr Alexanders death, ex-Lib Dem councillor and former leader of the council Paddy Lyne, now chairman of Weald Tenants Association, said: He was a very likeable man and very hard working.

Rayners Lane ward Lib Dem councillor Chris Noyce said Mr Alexanders relocation to Watford was the reason he stood down at the 2002 elections.

He had been working for the Local Government Ombudsman at the time of his death.