Great Yarmouth Borough Council pays tribute after the death of Councillor Malcolm Bird

At a meeting on February 24, Councillor Carl Smith, leader of the council, said: ''The passing of Malcolm Bird is extremely sad news. He was a real gentleman and very well respected across the chamber. I'm sure all members will join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

''He was a fantastic mayor and was respected everywhere he went in the borough. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and the wider community.''

Councillor Bird was first elected to represent the Central and Northgate Ward in 2014 as a UKIP councillor before crossing the floor to join the Conservative Party in 2017.

He was re-elected to the council in 2018 where he stood for the Caister South Ward, which he continued to represent until his death.

He was elected mayor of the borough in 2016 and served on several council committees during his time with GYBC, including the Housing and Neighbourhoods Committee, the Economic Development Committee and the Environment Committee.

He chaired the Standards Committee from 2021 until 2023 and was a current member of the Licensing Committee and the Development Control Committee where he was the Vice Chairman.

Paying tribute on behalf of the Labour group at the council, Councillor Michael Jeal said: ''I knew Malcolm for more than 30 years. He was a good man who did a good job and did it well. We all understand we are here to serve the people of the borough and Malcolm did it better than most.''

A number of other members - including Councillor Graham Plant, Councillor Tony Wright and Councillor Donna Hammond - paid tribute to Councillor Bird. The Mayor, Councillor Carl Annison, thanked everyone for their kind words.

As a mark of respect, the borough flag at the Town Hall in Great Yarmouth was flown at half mast.