Tributes to Peterborough City Councillor

Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson led the tributes to Cllr Marcus Sims, who died aged 47 over the weekend.

The Conservative was elected to represent the East Ward of Peterborough at elections last year.

Mr Jackson said: “I am very sad to learn of the early death of Cllr Marcus Sims.

“He was a very nice guy with a big heart and one of my most stalwart helpers from way back to the 2001 General Election.

“Despite occasional poor health, he was a trier and was committed to his photography and was a fan of real ale as a regular feature of the Peterborough Beer Festival.

“Latterly, as a councillor for East ward, he did his best to help local people with a friendly smile.

“He has been taken too soon and will be missed by his many friends in the city and beyond.”

Councillor John Holdich, Leader of Peterborough City Council, and leader of the Conervative group in Peterborough said: “It came as a real shock to hear of the death of Councillor Sims and the news has been met with great sadness across the council by officers and fellow councillors.

“On behalf of everyone at the council, I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

“Councillor Sims was a councillor for just a short period, but in that time he established himself as a passionate and hard working member who strove to do the best for the people of his ward and the wider city.”

Dickie Bird, Peterborough and District CAMRA secretary, said he would be missed by many people.

He said: “Marcus worked with me as a volunteer barman on Bar 2 at the Peterborough Beer Festival for many years. As friendly a chap as you’re ever likely to meet.

“We were all very pleased for him when he was voted in as a member of the city council.

“An affable and willing helper who’ll be sorely missed at Peterborough Beer Festival 2017.”