Tributes paid to former Wandsworth councillor Peter Ainsworth

Council leader Ravi Govindia has paid tribute to former Wandsworth councillor Peter Ainsworth who has passed away at the age of 64.

Mr Ainsworth served on the council for 12 years - between 1980 and 1992 - and was chairman of the Conservative group on the council.

Cllr Govindia said: "Peter was an excellent colleague who served his constituents in Battersea's Shaftesbury ward with great distinction.

"He was blessed with great vision and determination to get things done, especially on environmental issues which were very close to his heart.

"He will be truly missed by all those who knew him. Our deepest condolences go out to this friends and family."

After serving on the council Mr Ainsworth was elected as Member of Parliament for East Surrey.

He remained an MP for the constituency for 18 years – between 1992 and 2010.

During his time in the House of Commons, Mr Ainsworth held a series of senior frontbench roles, including shadow culture secretary and shadow environment secretary.

Cllr Govindia's words have been echoed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson who also paid tribute to Mr Ainsworth.

Mr Johnson said he was "a delightful colleague and passionate about his causes especially the environment".

After leaving politics Mr Ainsworth served as chairman of the Big Lottery Fund, which distributes cash to good causes.

He also served as chairman of trustees at the Churches Conservation Trust and the Heritage Alliance.

Both organisations said Mr Ainsworth had been "a passionate advocate for heritage" who would be "greatly missed".

Photo credit: Churches Conservation Trust.