A councillor who served for more than 40 years and led Wirral Council in 1985 has died.
John Hale, who served as a Conservative councillor between 1975 and 2018, was praised by his former colleague Cllr Jeff Green as an “amazing public servant”.
The council announced the news on Twitter, with a post from the authority’s account reading: “We are sad to announce the passing of Alderman John Hale.
READ MORE: Paige Rice and Callum Miller inquest: updates after tunnel crash deaths
“In addition to being a councillor for over 40 years, John was leader of Wirral Council in 1985.
“He played a pivotal part in West Kirby’s Marine Lake and loved serving residents. Our deepest sympathies go out to John's family.”
Mr Hale represented Liscard initially, before serving constituents in Hoylake and Meols. He led the Conservative group on the council for more than two decades.
Speaking to the ECHO today, Cllr Jeff Green, who represents West Kirby and Thurstaston, said: “I think he was an amazing public servant who was totally committed to residents, the council and financial rectitude in the way the authority ran its finances.
“I’ve been touched by the number of messages I have received about John [Hale], including from members of the Labour group, he is clearly someone everyone across the council respects for his honesty, integrity and knowledge.”
Given this time serving constituents in Liscard and Hoylake, Cllr Green said that Mr Hale left an impression across a wide swathe of the borough.
