Tributes have been paid after a key local government figure died on Christmas Day.

Cllr Kieran Quinn, executive leader of Tameside MBC and chairman of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), died following a fall caused by a heart attack.

A statement from the council read: ‘At times of great challenge when clarity of leadership was required Kieran never shied away from the tough decisions.

‘Whether astutely guiding Tameside through the most difficult period for local government in living memory, ensuring the GMPF grew into the largest most successful pension fund in the UK against the wider trend of pensions shortfalls or fighting to reduce the north-south economic imbalance now widely recognised through the Northern Powerhouse agenda, he always stood up and provided the necessary leadership.'

The council also praised Cllr Quinn for his ‘unfailingly generous personality' and for helping the most vulnerable in the community.

Cllr Quinn leaves his wife and fellow councillor, Susan Quinn, and two sons.