Sir, – My very good friend Maelor Williams has sadly died in hospital after a short illness.

I am immensely proud to have had Maelor as my agent in fighting Middlesbrough in the 2010 general election and the 2011 Mayoral election: he was totally loyal and supportive.

A long-standing party member and untiring activist, Maelor kept the flame of Liberalism alive in the Boro. He was our only member of Middlesbrough Council and will be very difficult to replace.

Ever the Welshman, a keen organist and singer, Maelor was a generous host. Frances and I were always welcome at his home in Stainton Village where he was a hugely loved and admired pillar of the community, parish council chairman etc.

I’m sad to see him go, glad to have known him, proud to have been his friend.

CHRIS FOOTE-WOOD

Brook Terrace, Darlington,