By Khari Miller & Ré Poko
Hastings Borough Council leader Jeremy Birch passed away in hospital this evening.
The Labour councillor was taken into emergency care on Friday night, after he was thought to have suffered a stroke.
His partner released a statement through Hastings council which read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Jeremy Birch"
The press release then went on to thank the emergency services staff at Conquest Hospital, and ask that Mr. Birch's family and colleagues in the council were allowed to grieve in peace.
Compassion was his incentive to improve this town, but it was his readiness to help whichultimately made him the remarkable leader that he was for the past 13years.
Hastings students and residents respected and appreciated his continuous efforts to regenerate the town of Hastings which did not stop at the University Campus, or the encouragement of business in the area, but extended much further.
One of his most passionate projects was the reopening of Hastings' pier. Despite not being able to witness the finished product for himself, it will stand as a constant reminder of his hard work and dedication to the people of Hastings.
Tressell Borough Councillor Peter Chowney, has taken over his responsibilities of acting head. Students and staff of the University of Brighton sends our sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.
The Labour councillor was taken into emergency care on Friday night, after he was thought to have suffered a stroke.
His partner released a statement through Hastings council which read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Jeremy Birch"
The press release then went on to thank the emergency services staff at Conquest Hospital, and ask that Mr. Birch's family and colleagues in the council were allowed to grieve in peace.
Compassion was his incentive to improve this town, but it was his readiness to help whichultimately made him the remarkable leader that he was for the past 13years.
Hastings students and residents respected and appreciated his continuous efforts to regenerate the town of Hastings which did not stop at the University Campus, or the encouragement of business in the area, but extended much further.
One of his most passionate projects was the reopening of Hastings' pier. Despite not being able to witness the finished product for himself, it will stand as a constant reminder of his hard work and dedication to the people of Hastings.
Tressell Borough Councillor Peter Chowney, has taken over his responsibilities of acting head. Students and staff of the University of Brighton sends our sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.