Warm tributes have been paid after the death of one of London’s top local government officials.

Deputy Mayor Sir Simon Milton died in a London hospital on Monday at the age of just 49.

He had been in the job since 2008 and was a key figure in London’s budget and administration.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “He was a wonderful colleague and friend and will be much missed by everyone who was involved in public life in this city.

“He was kind, he was decent, and he was universally acknowledged to be brilliant at his job.

“He was a widely admired leader of Westminster Council, who played a key role in launching the first academy schools. He brought the same calm, logic and warmth to his role at City Hall.

“It is a great shock that Simon has been taken from us when he had so much still to offer.”

Chair of the Assembly Dee Doocey AM added: “Sir Simon Milton was a dedicated public servant in both elected office at Westminster City Council and as the Mayor’s senior adviser at City Hall.

“In his dealings with both colleagues and political opponents he was decent, reasoned and concerned to achieve the best output for London. He will be sorely missed by colleagues across the political spectrum both at City Hall and throughout London. The London Assembly sends its sympathy to his family and friends.”

Sir Simon was knighted for his services to local government in the New Year’s Honours list in January 2006 after his time as leader of Westminster City Council.