OPPOSITION leaders have paid tribute to former council officer Paul Sanderson, who died on Sunday.
St Helens Council’s former strategic director of place services and deputy chief executive suffered a cardiac arrest last week.
Sadly, the 59-year-old never regained consciousness and died on Sunday evening.
READ > Test and Trace service failing to reach contacts in St Helens
Paul, who briefly acted as chief executive following the sudden departure of Mike Palin last September, retired in October last year, but continued to work on a number of projects before finally leaving the council in February 2020.
An engineer by trade, Paul joined the authority in 1995, meaning he dedicated 25 years to the council and the people of St Helens.
Cllr Teresa Sims, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, worked with Paul throughout his time working for the authority.
“I have known Paul for all of the 25 years he was an officer here in St Helens Council, and his professionalism and loyalty to this council was exceptional,” Cllr Sims said.
“Words are inadequate at this very sad time, but someone so special can never be forgotten.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Cllr Allan Jones, leader of the Conservative group on the council, has known Paul for more than a decade.
The Rainford councillor considered the former council officer a friend and said he would miss the chats the two would have about the rugby, with Paul an ardent Warrington Wolves supporter.
Cllr Jones said Paul will be “sadly missed” and offered his condolences to his wife, Angela.
READ > Tributes paid to former council officer and 'absolute gentlemen' Paul Sanderson
He said: “Paul has been a fine servant to this council. He has worked diligently and fairly throughout his career.
“I knew him, not only as a colleague but as friend as well.
“He will be sadly missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with Angela, his wife.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here