Tory leader dies aged 74

One of Cannock's most well-known councillors has died suddenly following a battle with cancer.

Councillor Reg Butler, deputy leader of Cannock Chase Council and leader of the town's Conservative group, died yesterday afternoon at the age of 74.

Many council colleagues were not aware he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. It is thought he was told at the start of December the cancer had spread.

Councillor Butler, who represented Hawks Green ward, was a member of Cannock Chase Council for more than eight years and was a freemason for more than 30 years.

Fellow Tory Councillor Phil Freeman, who knew him for more than 25 years, said his friend suffered ill health, including lung condition emphysema, for many years but lately seemed in good spirits.

He said: "Reg was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

"He would never do anybody any harm and if he could not do you a favour he would be genuinely upset.

"He loved going on cruises and was heavily involved with the freemasons.

"Everybody loved him and this is a great shock to us all. He had been ill but his death was so sudden."

It is thought Councillor Butler, whose career saw him travel around Europe as British Leyland lorries sales executive, was going through a divorce from wife Valerie and living with a close friend in Wedges Mills which is where he died.

Cannock Chase Conservative Association chairman Ian Collard said: "I knew Reg for four years and throughout that time I was always struck by his dedication to the Cannock Chase area and its residents. He will be deeply missed and our thoughts today are with those who were closest to him."

Leader of the Lib Dem/Tory-led district council, Councillor Neil Stanley, said: "He was a good friend for five years, it's a sad loss and he will be greatly missed.

"He was such a character and a real symbol of Cannock Chase and had been involved in local politics for 40 years."