COLIN Wright, Bexley's first Liberal Democrat mayor and the first Liberal councillor to serve on Bexley Council, has died at the age of 71.

He died at his home in Beauford Road, Bexleyheath, where he lived with his daughter Wendy.

Mr Wright won his seat on Bexley Council in a surprise by-election victory in Danson ward in 1973.

He went on to represent East Wickham as a councillor from 1985 to 1998, serving on a variety of council committees and becoming mayor in 1995.

Mr Wright was still active in politics and stood as a Lib Dem candidate in the borough elections three weeks ago.

He was also the agent for the candidate for Bexleyheath and Crayford in last year's general election.

Before retiring he worked for the Ministry of Defence and was active in the civil service staff association.

After he retired he was active in community affairs, especially at the Bexley Pensioners' Forum, where he was chairman.

He also served several terms as chairman of the Bexleyheath and Crayford Liberal Association and then the Bexley Liberal Democrats' Association.

Current association chairman Chris Eady said: "His death has come as a complete shock.

"He had no edge to him at all. He was passionate about Danson Mansion and it was one of his proudest moments when he signed the agreement with English Heritage to restore it."

Mr Wright's funeral was held at Lewisham Crematorium on May 23.