North Devon Liberal Democrats are mourning the sudden death of popular former Devon County Council chairman TED KINGSTON, who died on Saturday evening (27 October) walking home from a dinner out with family and friends in Ilfracombe.

Mr Kingston was 85, and apart from suffering sciatica had been enjoying good health and remained a lively figure in the local party.

Ted and his wife Joyce, who died a few years ago, came to Ilfracombe from Bristol in the 1950s, and remained in North Devon thereafter.  Well known figures in the Ilfracombe business community, they ran a string of pubs in the town before buying and running the Imperial Hotel for many years.

Both were big Liberal supporters both in the time of Jeremy Thorpe, and right through to the current era as supporters of Nick Harvey.  Ted was a district and county councillor for Ilfracombe, and served as chairman of both councils.

He was a football man, and served as Bristol City FC’s vice-chairman during the club’s spell in the top flight in the 1970s (the old first division).

He served a stint as chairman of North Devon Liberal Democrats, and for many years was their treasurer – and a notable fundraiser.

JEREMY THORPE said: “Ted Kingston was a good friend, loyal citizen of Ilfracombe and steadfast Liberal.  He was a delightful social companion and we will miss him dearly.”

NICK HARVEY said: “Ted was always the life and soul of the party, with a mischievous sense of humour and a refreshing habit of calling a spade a spade.  He was great fun and very well liked. Many people throughout Devon will be saddened to hear of his parting.”