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Former Falmouth and Camborne MP Candy Atherton has died suddenly overnight at the age of 62.

The Labour politician has been described by friends, political allies and adversaries as a true Cornwall champion for her endless dedication to the county and the people of Falmouth.

Flags will be flying at half mast at County Hall today in tribute to the Labour councillor and former MP.

Candy Atherton was first elected in 1997, and held the seat with an increased majority in 2001, before being defeated by Liberal Democrat Julia Goldsworthy in 2005.

In 2013, she returned to front-line politics, becoming the Cornwall Councillor for the Falmouth Smithick division. She held the seat at this year's elections in May.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, the leader of the Larbour group with Cornwall Council, was visibly moved and shocked to hear of his friend and colleague's passing.

He said: "She was a true Cornwall champion. I'm completely shocked by her death. Only yesterday I was speaking with Candy about various things. Most of us knew that she was unwell but her death has come as a real shock to all who knew her.

"It's a huge blow. Candy never stopped working her socks off for Cornwall. She gave more for Cornwall than anyone I ever know."

Cllr Dwelly said the people of Cornwall should remember the university, the airport at Newquay and the superfast broadband.

He added: "She was the one who pushed the Labour government at the time for Cornwall to be considered for special funding. So much of what we have in Cornwall is down to her."

Since her election to County Hall she has been a leading member of the fight to control the number of student houses in Falmouth , and had opposed the expansion of Falmouth University.

In August she appeared alongside labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn at a NHS rally at Heartlands.

Tributes are being paid to the former MP on social media this morning:

Politicians from all sides have paid tribute to a 'formidable woman and a formidable politician'.

Cllr Adam Paynter, Leader of the council, said: "I was really sad to hear of Candy's passing. Over the years I have enjoyed spending time with her at local government conferences. She had strong opinions wand we did enjoy very interesting conversations. She was always good fun to be around.

"Candy was a larger than life character. She was a formidable woman and a formidable politician."

Cllr Andrew Mitchell, leader of the Independents on Cornwall Council, said the news had come as a real shock. He added: "She was a formidable woman indeed. And a very caring woman too. She had a great passion for Falmouth and the people of Falmouth.

"We would quite often disagree but we would also agree on many things. Candy had Cornwall and Falmouth at the heart of all she did. I only had the greatest respect for her."

Cllr John Keeling, Conservative group leader on Cornwall Council said: "I've known Candy for years. She was an excellent and highly principled politician. She was very astute. It doesn't matter if you are on different sides of the political spectrum if you fight for the issues that matter to people.

"Candy always fought for the good of Cornwall. It is a sad day for Cornwall as a whole."