Tributes to former Mayor of Rugby after his death aged 83
Philip Blundell became Mayor of Ruby in 1978
Tributes have been paid to a former councillor and Mayor of Rugby after his death aged 83.
Philip Blundell died earlier this month (July) and has been described as "a brilliant public speaker and formidable debater."
He was first elected to Rugby Borough Council in 1973 to represent Newbold Ward and became Mayor of Rugby in 1978.
Mr Blundell who was a teacher was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in 1992 in recognition of his public service.
As well as representing the borough council's Newbold Ward for a decade, Mr Blundell was leader of Warwickshire County Council in the 1980s and went on to chair Warwickshire Police Authority before he was elected the vice chair of the Association of Police Authorities in 2007.
His funeral will take place at St Andrew's Church on Friday 7 August and former Mayors Freeman of the Borough and serving councillors have been invited to attend.
The council is also planning to fly the borough flag at half-mast on the day of Mr Blundell's funeral.
Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, and deputy leader of the council's Labour group, paid tribute to her long-time colleague and friend.
"I've known Phil and his wonderful family for more than 40 years," Cllr O'Rourke said.
"Phil was always someone I could look up to and respect. He was a brilliant public speaker and a formidable debater, always passionate about the causes he believed in.
"Despite his convictions, Phil never took himself too seriously. He always understood that political disagreements belong in the council chamber and never allowed them to become personal," Cllr O'Rourke added.
"The ability to disagree with respect was one of the many qualities that made him such a remarkable man.
"Phil will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."