Tributes have been paid to a Labour stalwart from Newcastle-under-Lyme who's died at the age of 83.

First elected onto Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in 1986, Eddie Boden held a number of roles during his time at the authority – including leader and mayor.

He was also elected to Staffordshire County Council in 1993, where he took up the role of chairman of the authority from 2003 to 2005.

He was seen by his party members as a father figure, and is spoken of fondly by those who served alongside him at the council.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: "We are all devastated to hear of Eddie's passing. Eddie was the heart and soul of local Labour politics for decades.

"As leader of the council, mayor and chairman of the county council Eddie always worked tirelessly to ensure the people of Newcastle got the investment and services we deserve.

"Eddie was a political father figure to many within the Labour group. Current and retired councillors speak of his leadership fondly.

"He was not one to suffer fools gladly and armed with a sharp whit and strong sense of belief in his convictions, he made significant achievements during his time on the council.

"We will all miss Eddie. Our thoughts go out to his family."

Eddie Boden was first elected to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in 1986 and held a number of different roles (LDRS).

Cllr John Williams was a colleague of Mr Boden's at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, and said he was great to work with and great to work for.

Cllr Williams said: "His knowledge and understanding were really good for the rest of the councillors to work with.

"He believed in the community in Newcastle, and Audley especially – but he worked for all of the borough and he had a good sense of humour.

"He understood the politics of being a borough councillor and a county councillor, and he was chairman of the county council as well.

"He put his heart into it, and he was good work with.

"He was a good orator and he respected other councillors, no matter what party they were from. He respected their views and that was really important."

Mr Boden was chair of the borough council's housing board, and is said to have been particularly keen on enhancing development and bringing employment into the area.

His early career was in the building trade and he went on to work for an automotive parts company where he was also a union representative.

Mr Boden will also be remembered for his role in helping renovate the Labour Rooms in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

TO FIND OUT HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR BILLS THIS SUMMER - CLICK THE 'HELP FOR HOUSEHOLDS' BANNER ABOVE THIS ARTICLE. 

READ MORE: Two men arrested on suspicion of 'arson with intent to endanger life' after Crooked House fire

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.