A councillor who spent 27 years working to improve the lives of the people in his community has died following a short illness.

Beckton Ward councillor Alec Kellaway, 61, Mayoral Adviser for Finance and chair of the Investment and Accounts Committee, died at his Beckton home although additional details are, as yet, unavailable. He was an economist and market researcher by profession and was first elected to Newham Council in 1987 when he represented the Social Democratic Party Liberal Alliance.

He was re-elected in South Ward as a Liberal Democrat in 1990 and 1994 and as a Labour Party councillor in 1998. He represented Beckton Ward as a Labour councillor from 2002.

News of his death was confirmed tonight by Newham Council as the Mayor paid tribute to his commitment to the people he served. Sir Robin Wales said: “Alec was a decent, honourable and thoroughly good man. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in Beckton and wider Newham. As a councillor, a lifelong Newham resident and a local campaigner, he will be sadly missed. On behalf of Newham councillors, our staff, our residents and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, I have offered our condolences and best wishes to Alec’s family and friends at this tragic time.”

Councillor Kellaway had formerly served as executive member for business and skills with a particular interest in training and education for young people. He was also a governor at local schools and colleges.

He was educated in local State schools before attending Christ Church, Oxford University. He was a lay reader in his local church, a keen amateur musician and enjoyed cooking. He was famous for making cakes for meetings and hot food for lunches at St Mark’s Church in Beckton.

Flags at both East Ham and Stratford Town Halls will fly at half mast and a full tribute will be made at the next meeting of the full Council.