Tributes have been paid to the leader of Tameside Council who died on Christmas Day after suffering a heart attack.

Councillor Kieran Quinn was taken to hospital on Saturday, December 23, following a fall precipitated by a heart attack.

He was taken ill while he was delivering Christmas cards to Droylsden constituents alongside his wife, Councillor Susan Quinn.

Coun Quinn, 57, died on Monday evening, with his wife, two sons and other family members at his bedside.

A tribute released by Tameside Council said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this very tragic time.

“Kieran will be sorely missed. First and foremost he was a great family man rooted in the community of Droylsden and Tameside.

“A deep belief that everyone was entitled to a good and fair start in life led him to dedicate his life to public service – working for others and the community he loved.

“Extremely hard working with an unfailingly generous personality, Kieran instinctively put himself on the side of those least able to look out for themselves.

“There are few people in our community whose lives aren’t better for the actions Kieran took.

“He had a strong and clear vision as to how to make Tameside a better place for everyone and a determination to make that happen – despite austerity and the inordinate budget cuts the borough faced.”

The statement added: “Kieran always believed helping the most vulnerable – and supporting families and the community to flourish – needed more than kind words.

“Tough decisions to deliver successful public services were essential. What he often referred to do as ‘doing well while doing good’.”

“The huge gap which will be left in public life in Tameside following his passing is a testament to the depth and breadth of his contribution to our community.”

In a statement on Facebook, Coun Quinn's son Liam, said: "On behalf of the Quinn family we would like to say a big thank you for the people on here that have sent well wishes and condolences over the past few days. It has really been overwhelming the support that has been received.

"My dad absolutely loved Droylsden, and fighting for the people of this town. I know he wasn't always the most popular man (even annoyed me sometimes) but he always wanted the best for this hardworking town.

"So again, a big, big thank you for the kind messages. It has really helped us as a family getting through this most difficult time."

Paying tribute to Coun Quinn, Oldham West MP Jim McMahon tweeted: "Heartbreaking. Kieran was a decent man, Labour to his bones and will be sorely missed. Can’t begin to think about the hurt Sue and the family are going through. My love to them all."

Stalybridge MP Jonathan Reynolds siad: "I am absolutely bereft at this news this morning."

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd said: "I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Kieran Quinn’s death. He was a good socialist, a fighter for Tameside, a proud trade unionist and a great friend. My thoughts are with his family."

And former Rochdlae council leader Richard Farnell said: "Really sad news. A good man and excellent Leader of Tameside. Thoughts with his family. He was also parliamentary agent in Rochdale three times."

Coun Quinn was first elected to Tameside Council in 1994 and became the executive leader in 2010.

As well as his role as council leader Coun Quinn was chairman of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and a supporter of devolution for the region.

Deputy leader of the council, Councillor John Taylor, will be lead and address any business matters.

Tameside Council will be setting up a book of condolences. Anybody who wishes to leave a message can email communications@tameside.gov.uk.