THURROCK MP Dame Jackie Doyle-Price has paid tribute to a leading local Conservative supporter who has died suddenly.

Tony Coughlin was well known in the Grays and wider Thurrock area, particularly in the Thurrock Park part of Little Thurrock.

An ardent party supporter and association chairman he was a colourful and enthusiastic figure carrying a great deal of 'behind-the-scene' work on party and local issues, often commentating on social media.

He passed away unexpectedly while receiving treatment for an existing condition.

Dame Jackie said: "It is with much sadness and shock that I share the news of the passing of Tony Coughlin. 

"There was no one more decent and public spirited than Tony. He was a fixture at the heart of the Thurrock Park community and would attend every public meeting going. 

"You would always find him in the public gallery at council meetings as he viewed that as part of his obligations as our association chairman.

"He was a most honourable man, and one never shy to share his opinions or to challenge those he thought were failing the public. He was a great royalist and patriot and a believer in making sure things were done respectfully

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"I feel the loss personally. He has been a great friend to me and an absolute rock for all of us involved in Thurrock. Conservative politics. We all send his family and friends our condolences and best wishes. God bless his kind soul."