TRIBUTES have today been paid to former Ipswich mayor Henry Davies who died last night.Mr Davies, known as Harry to his friends, had been a member of the council since 1988 and was elected mayor in May 2006.

TRIBUTES have today been paid to former Ipswich mayor Henry Davies who died last night.

Mr Davies, known as Harry to his friends, had been a member of the council since 1988 and was elected mayor in May 2006. He was in office during the town's most traumatic period with the murders of five women.

The 80-year-old grandfather, who lived in Castle Hill, died in hospital following an illness. He was only the second Conservative mayor of the borough since 1979.

Ipswich council leader Liz Harsant said: “I'm very upset and sad about it. My thoughts are with his wife Pauline and his two children.

“He served the town well for so many years, both as a councillor and later as mayor and deputy mayor.

“He was a fantastic ward councillor and that is how he will remembered by the people. He was always there for the people first and foremost.”

His service for the council began in 1988, initially for the old Broomhill ward and more recently representing Castle Hill. His year in office came to an end last year and he became deputy mayor to Inga Lockington.

Ipswich council's chief executive James Hehir said: “Harry was a great stalwart of IBC for many years. He dedicated his time to serving the people of Ipswich.

“Unfortunately he suffered illness for some time but he still managed to be the mayor and do an excellent job with Pauline as Mayoress.

“Harry was a one-off character who was popular with staff and our thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Inga Lockington, this year's deputy mayor, said: “He was in the council when I arrived in 1999. As my deputy mayor, I know he was very keen to always support me and I know that when he was not able to support me, he was very sad about it.

“He was very conscientious and I know that he desperately wanted to be there for the mayor making but sadly he was not able to come.

“My thoughts are with his wife and family. Both he and his mayoress Pauline were lovely and I'm sure the thoughts of the people are with her.”

His time in office was plagued with illness and when he was taken ill last year and spent two weeks in hospital, his then deputy, Bill Wright, took over his mayoral duties.

Would you like to pay tribute to Mr Davies? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.