Tributes have been paid to a prominent councillor and Somerset champion following his sudden passing.

Councillor Dean Ruddle represented the Somerton division on Somerset Council, as well as being responsible for overseeing the council's adult social care services on the executive.

Council leader Bill Revans announced the news of Mr Ruddle's passing on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday (January 6), describing him as "Mr Somerton" and "a champion of his community".

Numerous other councillors have added their own tributes on social media, with further public tributes expected to be made at the full council meeting in February.

Mr Ruddle, who lived on Cartway Lane in Somerton, was elected to represent the town on the new unitary authority in May 2022, which saw the Liberal Democrats swept to power.

He was appointed portfolio holder for adult social care in May 2023, representing Wells division member Tessa Munt, who will be standing at the next general election in the new Wells and Mendip Hills constituency.

Mr Ruddle previously represented the Somerton division on Somerset County Council between 2013 and 2022, initially as a Conservative before becoming an independent in July 2018 and eventually joining the Lib Dems.

He also represented the Wessex ward on South Somerset District Council between 2015 and 2023, chairing its area north planning committee, and served on Somerton Town Council, including a long period as its chairman.

Posting on social media, Mr Revans said: "I am absolutely devastated by the news that we have lost Dean Ruddle, the council's lead member for adult social care. [He was] a colleague and a mate. Truly a champion of his community. Rest in Peace Dean – Mr Somerton."

Numerous other figures from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to Mr Ruddle following the announcement of his death.

Sean Dromgoole, chairman of Langport Town Council and a two-time parliamentary candidate for the Somerton and Frome constituency, said: "[This is] shocking and very sad news. A Somerset champion and fiercely loyal to all things Somerton.

"A tenacious and spirited colleague with whom it was a joy to work. You always knew where you stood with Dean.

"My thoughts go out to family and colleagues. We have all lost one of our best."

John Osman, a former county council leader and former chairman of the Somerset Rivers Authority, added: "Dean was a good man, whom I had the honour to serve with. He is a huge loss to his family, Somerton and Somerset."

Councillor Connor Payne, the Conservative member for Chard South, said: "My thoughts are with Dean's family in dealing with their sudden loss, as well as his friends and colleagues.

"I always had enjoyable passing chats with Dean at full council meetings and he has never been short of giving a friendly smile.

"He will be missed by all and it has been a pleasure to know him. Rest in peace, Dean."

Councillor Oliver Patrick (Lib Dem, Coker) added: "Dean had recently expanded his domestic solar array and was so pleased with it. He used to phone me up every other day just to see who was generating more power – he always had more than me!

"Dean was really excited about getting an electric vehicle. I'm not sure it arrived before he passed away but I hope they've got EVs wherever he is now."

A by-election to replace Mr Ruddle is expected to be held in the spring or early-summer. All casework relating to the Somerton division will be handled in the meantime by its other councillor, fellow Lib Dem Tim Kerley.