Sussex Decides: Minute’s silence held for Jeremy Birch at Hastings count

A minute’s silence has just been held for the leader of Hastings Borough Council Jeremy Birch at the general election count tonight.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th May 2015, 03:09 BST

Horntye Park falls silent for a minute to pay respects to council leader, Jeremy Birch, who died on Wednesday. SUS-150805-012426001

Proceedings stopped at Horntye Park where the count for the Hastings and Rye constituency is being held.

Councillor Birch died aged 63 on Wednesday in the Conquest Hospital after he suffered what was believed to be a stroke.

Within the first three hours of opening a book of condolence yesterday at the Town Hall dozens of people have signed it.

Kevin Boorman, spokesman for the borough council, said: “The minutes’s silence was quite poignant and fitting because of Jeremy’s close association with elections as 20 years ago he was first elected to Hastings Borough Council.

“So this was a fitting tribute to him.

“I was pleased it was observed by everyone.

“It was not about politics, it was about recognising someone who was passionate about Hastings.”