The Westmorland Gazette has the sad news:

Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has led tributes to South Lakeland District Council leader Brendan Jameson who died suddenly aged 66.

Coun Jameson, who was also a Cumbria County and Kendal Town councillor, is believed to have died in the early hours of Monday morning after a heart attack.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said: “I met Brendan many times as leader of South Lakeland District Council. He was always a true fighter on behalf of his community, making sure they were heard by Government.

“The last time I was in Kendal I saw him at the opening of Chemotherapy Services at Westmorland General. He was so proud of another campaign success. Brendan and Tim were a formidable team – working together they did everything they could to make things better for people in South Lakeland.

“My thoughts are with his family today. He was a fantastic community champion and our party has not only lost a council leader but a true liberal and a great friend.”

Local figures have warmly paid tribute to Brendan, including Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron:

A leader and a window cleaner – everyone here knew that Brendan Jameson wasn’t a politician, he was one of us. Brendan was born and bred in Kendal and besotted with Kendal.

Brendan was the first ever Lib Dem to lead our District Council, the man who brought recycling to every home in South Lakeland and who ensured 500 new affordable homes were built for local families. He also fought like a tiger to make sure that we got the Olympic Torch and Olympic investment into South Lakeland.