A FORMER council leader died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Terry Cutmore, who led Rochford District Council from 2004 to 2019, died on Wednesday morning.

It has since been confirmed that Mr Cutmore tragically died after contracting Covid-19.

David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Terry Cutmore, Essex County Council member for Rochford North division.

“Terry was extremely well-liked and respected at County Hall and will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him. He was a kind man who was committed to serving his residents.

“An Essex County Councillor from 2013, Terry was Chairman of the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee and a member of the Corporate Parenting Panel.

“He was dedicated to his local community of Rochford, where he was Vice-Chairman of Rochford District Council, representing Hockley and Ashingdon ward.

“He had previously served as Leader of Rochford District Council from 2004 to 2019.

“Our sympathies go to the family and friends of Terry, and we are thinking of and supporting them at this difficult time.”