Tony Howard, leader of Peacehaven Town Council and well known in the Sussex motor trade, has died.
Mr Howard was a colourful character in the political chamber and vehemently defended the further expansion of the town on the grounds there could be no more people housed in Peacehaven until amenities were improved.
Mr Howard, 66, died at his bungalow in Cairo Avenue last night with his wife Pauline, Mayoress of Peacehaven, at his side.
He had been battling cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Mr Howard was a staunch Liberal Democrat and was also a former Mayor of Peacehaven.
He almost always wore a bowler hat to official functions, earning the nickname Tony the Hat.
Mr Howard, who also leaves a son Simon and daughter Amanda, was as a young man a successful racing driver in Formula 2000 events.
He retired from running his business Flint Gearboxes, in St John's Road, Hove, last year.
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