TRIBUTES have been paid to a councillor who "always put others before him" and was "committed" to his local community and Wiltshire.

Wiltshire councillor Jerry Wickham, 58, the man once tipped to become the authority's leader, died yesterday (Tuesday, July 23) after battling prostate cancer. .

The councillor for Ethandune, who had been tipped to become Wiltshire Council's new leader, resigned from his role in the cabinet in May.

The 58-year-old had earlier ruled himself out of the contest to become leader of the council's controlling Tory group because he had been told his rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer, which he had fought for three years, was not responding to treatment.

Paying tribute to him, the council's newly elected leader Councillor Phillip Whitehead said: "Jerry was a close friend and a fantastic colleague for many years. As a councillor and cabinet member Jerry always put others before him and was wholeheartedly committed to his local community and Wiltshire.

"Jerry felt duty bound to serve the public and that was evident in a very distinguished career with the police before representing Wiltshire Council.

“The plan was for Jerry to be leader of the council and I his deputy, and I wish more than anything that’s what could have happened as he would have been a great leader.

“Our love and condolences go to Jerry’s family and friends and the thoughts of everyone at Wiltshire Council are with them. We shall miss him terribly.”

A statement from Wiltshire Council executive directors Alistair Cunningham, Carlton Brand and Terence Herbert, said: “We are deeply saddened that Jerry has passed away.

“Jerry had advanced prostate cancer but his illness did not define him, but what did was his integrity, values and his skill as a cabinet member. His knowledge of his brief and his ability to drive improvements in this council was second to none.

“He was respected as a councillor, cabinet member and more importantly a person, and will be terribly missed by all who knew him. He was particularly passionate about adult social care and one of his lasting legacies will be the transformed service that is supporting many people in the county.

“Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and we’re in no doubt Jerry will want us to continue to raise awareness of this illness which robs so many people of their loved ones, so if anyone need any advice and support please prostatecanceruk.org/.

“Our thoughts are with Jerry’s wife Suzanne, their sons and his friends at this very sad time.”

Councillor Wickham was a former chief superintendent.

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: "An 'old school copper' who was incredibly respected within Wiltshire Police, Jerry was firm but fair with his officers and the public alike. 

"A life-long public servant Jerry was elected as councillor for Ethandune in 2013 and became the Wiltshire cabinet member for adult social care, public health and public protection. 

"There is no doubt that his work did change the lives of many for the better thanks to his tenacity and passion, Jerry was someone that you always rely on to get the job done."