Tributes paid to former Scunthorpe MP John Ellis who devoted his life to public service
John Ellis sat as a Labour MP and also served on North Lincolnshire Council and the former Humberside County Council
Tributes have been paid to former Brigg and Scunthorpe MP John Ellis, who has been described as a "truly great man".
Mr Ellis represented the Brigg and Scunthorpe seat in Parliament as a Labour MP from 1974 to 1979, and sat on the former Humberside County Council and North Lincolnshire Council for many years.
He passed away on Monday, May 27 at the age of 88.
Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin, who worked alongside Mr Ellis at North Lincolnshire Council, paid tribute to him, saying: "He was a huge presence on the local political landscape in our area. He served at every level of politics throughout his life.
"He had a passion for making sure vulnerable people had the support they needed. Humberside Social Services was recognised as one of the best in the country when he served as its chair.
"He also served onNorth Lincolnshire Council with huge distinction as chair of the planning committee. He had huge integrity and desire to make a difference to people's lives.
"Working with him, I learnt to be true to what you believe in. He taught people how to work steadfastly to make improvements for people, day in, day out. He continued to act as a beacon for the rest of us to be guided by, even in his last few years. He was still active in the local Labour party.
"He cared about supporting elderly people and those living through difficulties. He lived those values and was truly a great man. We will all miss him."
Mr Ellis was first elected to Parliament representing the Bristol North West constituency for theLabour Party in 1966. After losing the seat four years later, he was successfully elected to serve the then-Brigg andScunthorpe constituency in 1974.
He was unseated by the Conservative candidate Michael Brown in a shock defeat in 1979, losing by fewer than 500 votes.
Mr Ellis is survived by his wife Rita and children, Jane, Joe, Sue and Robert.
A funeral service for Mr Ellis will be held at Woodlands Crematorium in Scunthorpe on Monday, June 17 at 11.20am.
Tributes to lost loved ones
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