THE deputy leader of Cumbria County Council died this morning after a heart attack at his home.

Ian Stewart, who led the Liberal Democrats on the authority, was the cabinet member for finance and represented the Kent Estuary division at the council.

He was also a member of South Lakeland District Council, representing Arnside and Milnthorpe.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, paid tribute to a friend of nearly 20 years.

“Nobody is irreplaceable but he is as close as it gets,” he said.

"If you didn't know him well you would think he had a tough exterior but actually he was a very tender man.

"He was very kind and always operated with the best of motives.

"He just got stuff done. You knew exactly where you were with him."