The leader of Earley Town Council Chris Edmunds has died.

The 46-year-old, who was also executive member for social care at Wokingham Borough Council, had been unwell in recent weeks but his sudden death this morning has come as a complete shock to his family, friends and political colleagues.

Councillor Edmunds, who was ward member for Maiden Erlegh and worked in London, had attended an extraordinary meeting of the borough council last night where he spoke in favour of the authority joining Reading’s Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid.

Fellow Earley councillor and ward member for Maiden Erlegh, David Chopping, said: “It was a surprise and certainly not expected.

“He hadn’t been well but I don’t think anyone thought he was this unwell.

“He was one of those people who was genuinely well liked, people may not have liked his politics, but liked the man himself. He was never vindictive and was a consulate politican.

“He worked very hard as a councillor and was very good at it.”

Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr David Lee said: "This sad news has come as a great shock to his many friends and colleagues at the borough council. 

"As lead member for social care, Chris was a highly respected councillor and much liked by all who worked with him – both at the council and in Earley where he worked for his residents so diligently over many years.

"He will be thoroughly missed by everyone who knew him. At this time, our thoughts are with Chris’ family and friends.”

Cllr Edmunds leaves behind a wife, Jane, and three children.

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