THE sudden death of 32-year-old George Askew, a Conservative councillor for Carnforth, has left friends and colleagues shocked and saddened.

Cllr Askew lived in Warton with his girlfriend and was elected onto Lancaster City Council in November, to represent the Carnforth and Millhead ward.

Laura Makinson, his partner, posted the news on social media website Facebook, saying: "I am devastated to announce my boyfriend George William Askew passed away on Saturday. Coming just 3 weeks after my father's funeral it's safe to say what I have experienced in these last few days is indescribable and beyond words. This is the start of one of the most difficult journeys a person has to take... to learn to live without their loved one.

My best friend, my future husband, my George I love you and I will miss you so much xxx."

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris was among those paying warm tributes to Cllr Askew this week. He told the Gazette that he was "absolutely devastated", saying: "I have known George for a number of years and have always been impressed by his tenacity, loyalty and dedication. I have no doubt that George was destined for great things, which makes this news even harder to digest.

"George was already shaping up to be a fantastic councillor for the people of Carnforth and Millhead. I know George will be sadly missed by myself, the party locally and his residents.

"My thoughts are with Laura his partner and the rest of his family at this sad time."

Cllr Askew grew up in Lancaster and attended the city's Royal Grammar School before studying at Essex University, where he fell in love with American football, said Mr Morris. He was also a passionate rugby supporter.

He moved to Pendle in early 2007 to take up a role as election agent for Pendle Conservatives. He was first elected onto Pendle Borough Council in 2008, and the following year he was elected onto Lancashire County Council.

As well as serving his constituents in Colne, George was the driving force behind MP Andrew Stephenson's campaign in the 2010 general election where he served as election agent.

George was re-elected onto Pendle Borough Council in 2010, and served as chairman of Colne area committee for a year before stepping down from Pendle in 2012 and Lancashire County Council in 2013.

Following the 2010 General Election, George took up a new role working for Gloucester Conservatives as deputy agent. He remained living in Pendle and commuted weekly to and from his home in Colne.

More recently he returned home to Lancaster following the 2015 general election. He was recently appointed a regional director of the Vote Leave campaign for the upcoming European Referendum.

On November 26, he successfully stood for election to Lancaster City Council's Carnforth and Millhead ward. The by-election followed the death of Cllr Chris Leadbetter.

Cllr Askew is survived by father Harro, brother Max, sister Jennifer and partner Laura. MP David Morris said that no funeral details had yet been released.