COUNCILLORS last night held a minute’s silence for a late colleague.

Lawrence Conlon, who served on Kirklees Council from 1974 to 2000, died last month aged 86.

Councillors paid tribute to the former Labour leader of the council at last night’s monthly Kirklees meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Colne Valley Lib Dem Clr David Ridgway said Mr Conlon “had genuine respect right across the council chamber.”

Heckmondwike Labour man Clr David Sheard remembered his late colleague as “a true working-class hero”. He added: “I’m very sad that he has died but I’m not sad for his life because I think he’s contributed a great deal to this authority.”

Liversedge and Gomersal Conservative Clr Margaret Bates told councillors: “I’m sure Heaven will be a better place with Lawrence in it.”

Mr Conlon was first elected to the old Batley Borough Council back in 1964.

He served as leader of Kirklees from 1980 to 1985 and as deputy leader between 1994 and 1999.