ONE of Cumbria’s highest ranking councillors has collapsed and died at his home today (Sunday 21st October).

Ian Stewart, deputy leader of Cumbria County Council, was found after 1pm in the conservatory of his Rose Hill Grove home, Sandside.

His wife of 33 years, Jan, to whom he was a full-time carer, said she found him beside a rowing machine.

Earlier today, Mr Stewart had completed a 20-minute rowing session but had reassured her that he had taken it carefully, she said.

It is understood he may returned to the conservatory to record his times. At this stage, the family suspect a sudden heart attack.

Paying tribute tonight, Mrs Stewart, aged 67, said his passing had been very quick and he had been in good spirits.

She said: “Ian loved working as a councillor. People did not realise the hours he put into it - still doing emails at gone 9.30pm, having been in Carlisle since 8.30am, several days a week.

“He always wanted to do something for the community and he didn’t just talk - he listened as well. He didn’t always have the answers but he always knew how to point you in the right direction.”

The couple have a son, Tim, who had just turned 33 on Saturday. Tim said: “His interest was in things that worked and made people’s lives better. He didn’t give a damn whether it was politically convenient or not. If it worked, it worked.

“We had millions of hours of political discussion. He despised those who went into local politics as something to do as a hobby in retirement. He didn’t like those who didn’t set out to achieve anything. He dedicated himself to it like a profession.”

Born as an only child in Stretford to parents, Charles Edward Stewart “Ted” and Florence May, Mr Stewart was a devoted follower of Lancashire County Cricket and Manchester United. His childhood home backed onto Man United’s old training ground.

After a short time with the Yorkshire Bank, he also studied politics and modern history at Bangor University, moving to Sandside in 1993.

Liberal Democrat Mr Stewart was cabinet member for finance at Cumbria County Council, and also served on South Lakeland District Council where he was first elected in 2001. He was also a member of Beetham Parish Council.