Tributes have been paid to Robert Gordon, the leader of Hertfordshire County Council, who died on Friday following an illness.

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “Rob was a great friend and an inspirational leader for Hertfordshire from whom I learned so much. His passing will come as a shock to many and I will miss him dearly.

Watford Observer:

“We will never quite fill the hole that he has left behind – but his memorial is a county shaped to his plan, and seen as one of the best places to live and work in the country.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this sad time.”

A statement on the council’s website confirming Mr Gordon’s death said: “He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.”