TRIBUTES have been paid to former Wirral mayor Geoffrey Watt, who has passed away.

A lifelong resident of West Kirby, he was first elected Conservative councillor for Royden Ward in 1999.

Following boundary changes, he was elected in 2004 for the new ward of West Kirby and Thurstaston, and later re-elected in 2008, 2012, and 2016.

He was elected as Wirral’s 45th Mayor in 2018, and his wife Anne served as Mayoress.

Addressing his family, friends and colleagues in his debut mayoral speech, Geoffrey said he was "deeply honoured" to be elected as the Mayor of Wirral.

The father-of-two was educated at Kingsmead School, Hoylake and Dean Close School in Cheltenham.

After leaving school, he worked in banking and estate agency.

He was a past Commodore of Hoylake Sailing Club where he had been an active competitor from the age of nine, racing the local classic 'Opera' Class boats.

He was also a regular supporter from the touchline at Caldy Rugby Club and a season ticket holder at Sale Sharks in Rugby Union's Premiership.

Anne is also a life-long West Kirby resident.

His chosen charities as mayor were Wirral RNLI and Wirral’s Forester’s Horn Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association, for which he had raised thousands of pounds over the years.

The current Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Tony Smith, said: "Geoffrey was a dedicated councillor, keen sailor and an avid rugby supporter.

"He will be missed by the many people who loved him and I would like to publicly thank him and his wife Anne for their service to the borough.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Conservative group leader Ian Lewis told the Globe: "Geoffrey was one of the finest examples of public service we have ever seen in Wirral.

"He was totally dedicated to his role, rarely complained and always gave his full attention to the issues before him.

"He was assiduous in preparing for meetings and for gathering the evidence and the facts to inform his argument.

"He was respected by people in his community, in his political Group and across the Council chamber.

"Geoffrey, and Anne, were incredibly proud to be appointed Mayor and Mayoress and we were incredibly fortunate to have them.”

Councillor Jeff Green, who represented West Kirby and Thurstaston Ward with Geoffrey, said: "Geoffrey was an outstanding councillor, Mayor, sailor and man.

"He was totally committed to his family, Anne and their children John and Caroline, the people of Wirral and the residents of West Kirby and Thurstaston.

"Geoffrey faced his sudden illness with the strength and courage he showed throughout his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Geoffrey’s family at this very sad time."