Tory councillor John Sheldon, the last member of a famous political dynasty, died last night of cancer aged 59.

Coun Sheldon was joint deputy leader of the opposition Tory group on Brighton and Hove City Council.

His father Danny Sheldon was a celebrated mayor of Brighton in the Seventies and a leading figure in Tory politics. He died from cancer aged 64 in 1982.

John's uncle, Bill, was a Labour councillor in Brighton.

Coun Sheldon joined the old Brighton Council in 1967, aged just 24.

He had a varied business career ranging from running the Queensbury Arms pub behind the Metropole Hotel to running an upholstery company.

Coun Sheldon left the council in the Seventies but returned in 1993 for Preston ward.

From 1995 he stood for Patcham on the old borough council and the new city council.

Among his campaigns was one for a third concrete pylon at the A23 entrance to Brighton.

Coun Sheldon was a harsh critic of Sita when it ran the rubbish contract for Brighton and Hove City Council.

He fought for the rights of motorists and was critical of what he considered to be poor road maintenance in the city.

Coun Sheldon is survived by his partner Glenda and also by his mother, Lilian.

Tory leader Brian Oxley said: "His death is a tragic loss to everyone who knew him as well as to the city of Brighton and Hove. He was one of the most decent and honourable men in politics.

"He was a tireless campaigner for Patcham ward and he played a tremendously important and influential role within the council. He was widely respected there both by officers and by councillors across all political parties."

Former leader Geoffrey Theobald said: "This is an enormous blow. He was one of my closest friends and was my right hand man. My heart goes out to Glenda and his mother.

"During all the time he was ill he never complained and showed great fortitude. He often worked and went to meetings when really he should not have."

Coun Ann Norman, who chairs Brighton Pavilion Conservatives, said: "John Sheldon spent his life working for the residents of Brighton and Hove and the Conservative Party.

"His contribution to the Brighton Pavilion Conservative Association was outstanding. He was also an active promoter and fund-raiser for a number of charities."

Labour council leader Ken Bodfish said: "He was a big politician who contributed an enormous amount. He was also a good man, fair and committed."