TRIBUTES have been paid following the sudden passing of serving Somerset councillor and former mayor of Wells Tony Robbins.

Mr Robbins served on Wells City Council continuously since 2007, and was elected to represent the Mendip Hills division on Somerset Council at the last local elections in May 2022.

Mr Robbins passed away suddenly on Sunday (February 8), with his death being formally announced by the council the following day and the flags outside County Hall in Taunton being flown at half mast.

Numerous councillors and officials have paid tribute to Mr Robbins, praising him for his “warmth, humour, and humanity” and thanking him for his many years of public service.

Mr Robbins was one of two councillors representing the Mendip Hills division, which comprises numerous villages between Midsomer Norton, Shepton Mallet and Wells along with the eastern section of the Mendip Hills national landscape (formerly area of outstanding natural beauty, or AONB).

He served as vice-chairman of the council’s planning committee east (which handles major applications within the former Mendip area) and set on numerous other licensing and scrutiny committees – with the council stating he “always brought diligence, balance, and integrity to his responsibilities”.

He was elected to Wells City Council in 2007, serving as the city’s mayor from 2010 to 2011 and most recently chairing its finance committee.

Georgie Robbins paying tribute to her father, said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of my dad Tony Robbins’ sudden passing yesterday morning.

“Not only was he well loved by his family and friends, but also as a dedicated councillor for many years. We will miss him so very much.

“We ask that you respect our privacy at this time; however I’m always happy to hear the wonderful stories about my dad.”

Councillor Edric Hobbs, the other Liberal Democrat councillor for the Mendip Hills division, posted his own tribute to Mr Robbins on social media, stating that he was “widely known and liked and will be missed by a great many people”.

Councillor Claire Sully, who represents the nearby Mendip South division, said: “I am really going to miss you, Tony Robbins. You were one of the best.

“I enjoyed our chats and our shared lifts to committee meetings.

“You encouraged me, as someone new to local politics, whether big or small politics, you were decent, committed, loyal, kind and honest.

“I won’t forget you. You have made your mark in the local community and you will always be remembered.

“My heart goes to your family and close friends at this very sad time.”

Somerset Council chief executive Duncan Sharkey said: “Tony will be remembered for his warmth, humour, and his humanity”, adding that “the thoughts of all at the Council were with his family and friends”.

Council leader Bill Revans added: “Tony was a decent man and a much-valued colleague who brought his expertise and local knowledge to licensing, planning and scrutiny committees, as well as being a conscientious divisional colleague.

“He will be hugely missed by all of us at Somerset Council and we send condolences to his wife Sylvia and daughter Georgie.”

Current Wells mayor Louis Agabani praised Mr Robbins’ “knowledge, expertise, and willingness”, stating: “I know I speak for all councillors and staff at Wells City Council in saying that the loss of Tony is significant, and felt deeply.”

Funeral arrangements will be issued by the family in due course.

The date for a by-election to elect Mr Robbins’ replacement will be confirmed once the funeral has taken place.