Tributes have been paid to a “selfless and dedicated” councillor from Greenwich who has died at the age of 86. 

Councillor John Hills, who represented the Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham wards, died after a period of illness on April 24.

The Conservative Councillor was first elected for the New Eltham ward in 2000 and then subsequently re-elected in six consecutive elections.

Over his 24 years with the council, he served as the opposition group whip and opposition spokesperson for health and adult social care, as well as being the president of the Greenwich Conservative Federation for 15 years.

Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, said that Councillor Hills was one of the most “modest and unassuming” people you could meet.

He explained that Hills worked tirelessly for the area and represented for an “incredible” 24 continuous years.

Hartley added: “John will be missed by so many residents across Mottingham, New Eltham and the Coldharbour Estate who he helped over that time - and by all of us who were lucky enough to call him a friend.

“In his own quiet way, John was a giant of Greenwich politics - universally liked and respected - and unfailingly kind and generous with his support and encouragement to others.

“At this difficult time, all of our thoughts are with John’s loving family, who were the centre of his world.“

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, also said: "My thoughts and condolences are with John's friends and family, who will be rightly proud of the lasting impact he has had on the area he loved.

“For over two decades John worked tirelessly on behalf of residents in Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham and continued to do so until he sadly passed away.

“John’s loss will be felt not only in his ward, but across Royal Greenwich. He was a gentleman who was rightly proud of both his links, as well as that of the borough, to our Armed Forces. 

“He was respected by all Councillors and residents alike, as his dedication to being a public servant meant he transcended the political divide.

"We are very lucky to have had such a selfless and dedicated Councillor sit in our chamber."