Tributes have been paid to Watford’s last civic mayor who died following complications during surgery.

Sheila Jones was Watford’s 80th and final civic major before the town switched to the elected mayoral system in 2002.

The Manchester-born Conservative was voted on to Watford Borough Council in 1988 and served until 1996, before a second stint between 1997 and 2004.

Councillors from all sides of the Council Chamber stood for a minute’s silence and paid tribute to the former accountant at Full Council last night following her 'unexpected death'.

Watford Tory Leader Binita Mehta said: “A strong and unwavering Tory, Sheila was a force to be reckoned with and achieved much during her time in this chamber as both councillor and mayor.

“Her commitment to her politics was clear in her outspoken nature.

“She knew my family before I was born and visited my dad’s pharmacy in Garston.

“Since I got involved in politics, she always used to give updates to my father and recently told him that she had met her match in me.

“We're all sad and shocked, and wish to express my deepest condolences to Sheila’s husband Malcom.”

Mrs Jones was chair of the Watford Conservatives women’s branch and a supporter of the Disability Recreation Unity Movement charity.

Watford’s Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “She was one of the characters of the Council Chamber, the likes of which we don’t have any more.

“She was incredibly outspoken and she was still supporting town events right up until her unexpected death. She will be missed.”

Mrs Jones lived in Watford for more than 40 years and worked at the now-named University of Hertfordshire before her retirement.

Labour leader Councillor Nigel Bell said: “Sheila was a tough cookie.

“You always knew if she was in the room and she stood up for what she believed in, which we should all do regardless of political colour.

“We always had a lot to say to her and she always had a lot to say back to our members. It’s a sad loss for the town.”