A Conservative councillor in Brent has died suddenly while on holiday in India.

Bhiku M Patel, who has served Kenton for 12 years, passed away on Friday after suffering a heart attack.

Fellow Tory Kenton councillor Reg Colwill, who knew Cllr Patel for more than 40 years, said: “He was a brilliant councillor. His sense of humour, his morals were higher than anybody’s. He really was a terrific guy and we’ll miss him.”

Cllr Patel was known to many in the community as he ran a post office on Harrow Road, Wembley, with his wife Hansa for many years.

They had three children together.

He was a councillor for the Tokynton ward in Wembley, before winning a seat in the Kenton by-election in 2010.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said: “I’ve known him a long time. It’s a sad loss. Our condolences go out to his wife and children and we’ll do whatever we can to help support them.”