Tributes paid to councillor and 'true gentleman'

Tributes have been paid to a "dedicated and respected" Sheffield councillor following his death aged 67.

Paul Wood represented the Richmond ward on Sheffield City Council from 2014 before moving to the Woodhouse ward from 2016.

Away from politics, Mr Wood spent 30 years “managing household names and touring with pop stars”, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

"He was the kindest, loveliest, most selfless person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, a true gentleman," friend Marc Wildes said.

During his time on the cabaret circuit, he worked with celebrities including Bob Monkhouse, Bradley Walsh, Cannon and Ball, Bernie Clifton, Marti Caine and Bobby Knutt.

He later became connected to the Sheffield Sea Cadets, where he worked to “help build, support, and mould the next generation in our community in a safe and friendly environment”, Mr Wildes said.

Mr Wood was "always open to collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Sheffield", councillor Denise Fox said.

“Paul was a dedicated and respected member of the council and I’m sure colleagues from across the chamber and officers in the council will share my sadness at this news and will miss him," she added.

Mr Wood was recognised for his work as a politician, being awarded a British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth II.

"I was fortunate enough to be at the ceremony and I have to say his work for charity knew no bounds," Ms Fox added.

The union flag would be flown at half mast from Sheffield Town Hall as a mark of respect, the local authority confirmed.

“Paul was without a doubt the most observant, attentive, and knowledgeable man I have ever met," Mr Wildes continued.

"He leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to rival."

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