A COUNCILLOR for Comet country collapsed and died suddenly at his home on Tuesday.

Jon Clarke, a Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) member who represented Stotfold and Langford, was 64 years old. The cause of his death is not yet known.

Cllr Clarke was first elected to Mid Beds District Council in 2007. When that authority was abolished and replaced with CBC in 2009, he continued to serve his community through the new council.

Throughout his time on the councils, Cllr Clarke served on a wide range of committees, including those responsible for development management and scrutiny of corporate resources.

James Jamieson, the leader of CBC, said: “The sad news of Jon’s death has come as a great shock as he was a very active councillor, passionate about the area he represented and deeply committed to its residents.

“He always brought wisdom and balance to our discussions at the council and this was informed by his professional experience as a finance director.

“His contribution to Central Bedfordshire will be greatly missed.”

Cllr Clarke was also a member of Hitchin Priory Rotary Club, the 41 Club and Probus.