Touching tributes have been paid following the death of 'influential' Waveney District Council leader Colin Law, after a short battle with illness.

Eastern Daily Press: Staff paid their respects to Cllr Law with a minute's silence at Riverside in Lowestoft. Pictures: Courtesy of Waveney District CouncilStaff paid their respects to Cllr Law with a minute's silence at Riverside in Lowestoft. Pictures: Courtesy of Waveney District Council (Image: Archant)

Mr Law, 74, died at the weekend and leaves his wife, Deanna, two daughters, three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

A Waveney District Council spokesman said: 'It is with the very greatest sadness that Waveney District Council announces the passing of Cllr Colin Law, leader of the council, following a short battle with illness.

'We are all stunned by the loss of both a successful and influential leader and warm, friendly and well-liked man. However we are all also thinking of Colin's family and friends at this sad time.'

Eastern Daily Press: Staff paid their respects to Cllr Law with a minute's silence at Riverside in Lowestoft. Pictures: Courtesy of Waveney District CouncilStaff paid their respects to Cllr Law with a minute's silence at Riverside in Lowestoft. Pictures: Courtesy of Waveney District Council (Image: Archant)

Mr Law recently announced his intention to stand down as leader of the council but had fully intended to see out his term as a district councillor until 2019.

Mark Bee was elected leader of the Conservative Group on the council last week, ahead of the election of a new council leader this coming Wednesday evening and he paid the following tribute.

Mr Bee said: 'I have known Colin for over 15 years and in all that time he has been a councillor on Waveney and also Suffolk County Council.

Eastern Daily Press: Flags flying at half mast, at Riverside in Lowestoft, in memory of councillor Colin Law, leader of Waveney District Council. Picture : ANTONY KELLYFlags flying at half mast, at Riverside in Lowestoft, in memory of councillor Colin Law, leader of Waveney District Council. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

'For the last six years he has been Waveney's Leader, having succeeded me in 2011. He has been an extremely hard working public figure and community leader and even during his recent illness he attended events and meetings and participated with his usual enthusiasm and determination.

'He was also a man of great kindness and a dry sense of humour, with an infectious laugh. Waveney has lost a great councillor and all of us who knew him have lost a great friend.

'He will be greatly missed by those on all sides of the political divide.'

Eastern Daily Press: Flags flying at half mast, at Riverside in Lowestoft, in memory of councillor Colin Law, leader of Waveney District Council. Picture : ANTONY KELLYFlags flying at half mast, at Riverside in Lowestoft, in memory of councillor Colin Law, leader of Waveney District Council. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

It was the sombre task of chief executive Stephen Baker to announce the news to staff on Monday morning and he confirmed that, as a mark of respect, the flags at Waveney's offices in Riverside, Lowestoft and at East Suffolk House, headquarters for Suffolk Coastal, will fly at half mast.

Books of condolence will be available at Riverside, The Marina Customer Service Centre and also at East Suffolk House, the headquarters of Waveney's partners, Suffolk Coastal.

Councillors and staff paid their respects to Mr Law with a minute's silence at Riverside in Lowestoft, which was observed at 11am this morning (Monday) in memory of Colin.

Eastern Daily Press: Cllrs Mark Bee and Sonia Barker write memories in a book of condolence at Riverside for Cllr Colin Law. Picture: Courtesy of Waveney District CouncilCllrs Mark Bee and Sonia Barker write memories in a book of condolence at Riverside for Cllr Colin Law. Picture: Courtesy of Waveney District Council (Image: Archant)

Mr Baker added: 'Colin Law was leader of Waveney District Council during a period of considerable improvement, change, achievement and delivery. I'm confident he will be remembered for leading the council through a remarkable period in its history, and I fully expect the tributes to him will recognise that.

'Colin was a pleasure to work with; a tireless and enthusiastic public servant who had a great working relationship with staff. He respected them and the feeling was absolutely mutual.'

Mr Law's family are devastated by his sudden and unexpected death, and have asked for some time and privacy to come to terms with events.

'The council will, of course, respect that wish, but we will also provide them with all the support that we can at this incredibly difficult time,' the council spokesman added.

Mr Law had been a Suffolk county councillor, and was a member of that authority's cabinet before taking on the leadership at Waveney.

Suffolk County Council leader Colin Noble said: 'Colin Law was the most special person to know and be around. I'll remember him for his strong political leadership, his commitment to the people he represented, but above all his fun and larger-than-life character.

'There was always one thing you could absolutely guarantee when Colin was in the room, and that was having a smile your face. Suffolk has lost a truly honourable and wonderful man, and our hearts and thoughts are with his wife Deanna, his children, grandchildren and family.'