A veteran politician who became the first Conservative leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council has died.

Colin Rigby passed away in Bolton Hospice from heart and kidney failure after a short illness on Tuesday evening, with his wife Jean at his bedside.

The 81-year-old was Blackburn with Darwen's Mayor in 2017/18 and in 2007 took charge of the borough council for two years when the Tories, backed by the Liberal Democrats and the 'For Darwen' Party, ousted Labour to run it.

Mr Rigby stood down from the authority in the May 2021 local elections after 30 years as a councillor.

Politicians of all parties have paid tribute to his contribution to the borough and local politics.

Born in Oldham and brought up in Colwyn Bay, he was married to his wife Jean, whom he met at Bolton Co-operative Society, for 60 years.

They lived in Edgworth, and Mr Rigby was first elected to North Turton ward in 1991.

The couple had two children - Michelle and Andrew - and have three grandchildren Connor (24), Ayrton (17) and Ines (14).

An electrician by trade, Mr Rigby ran his own business supplying industrial gates, spending some years working abroad before moving to the area between Bolton and Darwen.

He was a Freemason and an honorary member of The Showman's Guild.

Mr Rigby's wife Jean, who is fighting to hold her West Pennine ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council which her husband also represented in next week's local elections, said: "Colin got on with everybody.

"I am going to miss him massively.

"He looked bit of a bruiser but had a really soft heart. A kind and caring man.

"Colin was a dyed in wool Tory but a very fair politician.

"He always said that you get out of life what you put in and he put in a lot in his own inimitable way."

Cllr Phil Riley, the current Labour leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "This is very sad news.

"Colin was a worthy political opponent and a great servant of the council, the borough and his ward who will be long and well remembered."

Veteran Liberal Democrat Cllr Paul Browne said: "Colin was a really great person. He was a formidable politician and a true gentleman."

Current council Tory group leader Cllr John Slater said: "Colin was an absolutely great servant to the borough and to the Conservative Party.

"He will be sorely missed on all sides of the political spectrum."

Rossendale and Darwen Conservative MP Jake Berry said: "Colin was a wonderful man - a true gentleman who gave decades of his life as a public servant.

"It was an incredible achievement when he wrestled control of the council in Blackburn from Labour for the first time in 50 years.

"He was a true blue Conservative but always pragmatic and respectful of other people’s opinions.

"There was nothing Colin didn’t know about local issues."

Blackburn Labour MP and former borough council leader Kate Hollern said: "I am very sorry to learn of Colin’s passing.

"Whilst we sat on opposite sides of the council chamber and partook in many lively debates, I always had the greatest respect for him.

"Colin made a significant contribution to politics in our borough and I know that he always wanted the best for Blackburn with Darwen."

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: “Colin was one of our longest serving councillors and also leader of the Council between 2007-08. We are grateful for his service to the borough.

“Our thoughts are with those closest to him. We will officially pay tribute to him at the next Council meeting.”