A councillor in our town has passed away suddenly after falling sick. 

Paul Fishwick, 65, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Winnersh, has died following a short illness. 

Mr Fishwick was also the executive member for active travel, transport and highways at Wokingham Borough Council.

It has been revealed that he passed away on Wednesday November 13 after being placed in an induced coma earlier this month.

Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “It with great sadness that I have to report that Paul Fishwick, Wokingham Borough Councillor for Winnersh and executive member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, passed away on Wednesday after a short illness.

Paul was respected across the political divide for his expertise as a former highways officer; he had a truly encyclopaedic knowledge of the borough’s highways network and a real commitment to active travel and public transport.

“The way in which he answered questions at full council – always polite and courteous, always well informed – won the admiration even of political opponents.

“I know his officer colleagues, especially in highways, but across the council, are deeply affected by the news of Paul’s passing.  He always behaved impeccably in his dealings with everyone – officers, fellow councillors, and residents.

“His colleagues on the executive and the wider Liberal Democrat group feel especially saddened; we have lost a friend as well as a valued colleague.

“The biggest blow is of course to his family.

“On behalf of the whole council, I want to send our deepest condolences to Paul’s wife Lesley and their children and grandchildren."