Tributes have been paid following the death of a Somerset councillor who was a “perfect gentleman” and the “voice of common sense”.

Nigel Woollcombe-Adams represented the people of Butleigh and Baltonsborough on Mendip District Council for more than 30 years, first winning the seat for the Conservatives back in 1991.

His passing was announced by the council on Tuesday (July 12), with council leader Ros Wyke and Tory group leader Tom Killen leading the tributes.

Details of a by-election to replace Mr Woollcombe-Adams for the last year of the council’s existence may shortly be announced.

The Butleigh and Baltonsborough ward comprises numerous small villages to the south-east of Street and Glastonbury, as well as a key section of the A37 at Lydford-on-Fosse leading to Shepton Mallet.

In addition to representing this seat for 31 years consecutively, Mr Woollcombe-Adams at various times served as deputy leader of the council, a member of the cabinet and chairman of the planning board.

He also represented the Mendip South division on Somerset County Council for four years between 2013 and 2017.

He stood again in the same division in the most recent local elections in May, but finished in last place out of four candidates in a closely fought race.

Councill Tom Killen, who leads the Conservative opposition group on the district council, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nigel, our dear friend and colleague.

“He was a truly excellent local councillor for more than 35 years, and a strong advocate for the communities he represented. He was the voice of common sense.

“Nigel had unrivalled experience and knowledge. A wise counsel within our group, he was the perfect gentleman and highly respected by all who knew him.

“We will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with Pippa, his two children, family and friends at this difficult time.”

Outside of his political commitments, Mr Woollcombe-Adams was director of a commercial property company in Taunton, having trained as a solicitor and worked for a London insurance broker.

He was a keen supporter of Bath Rugby Club and showed a strong interest in classic cars and antique furniture.

Council leader Ros Wyke said: “Nigel was an honourable gentleman. He was a well-liked and well-respected politician, right across the council.

“He was the font of all knowledge, especially when it came to planning matters, having served on our planning board for many years.

“We are saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, his fellow councillors, to the Butleigh and Baltonsborough residents, and the wider Mendip communities who knew him.”

A by-election to represent Mr Woollcombe-Adams is expected to be held later in the summer.