FORMER Wiltshire councillor and deputy chief constable Lionel Grundy has died.

Before he took office in local government Mr Grundy had a distinguished career in the police for more than 30 years, working with four forces.

He was awarded an OBE in 1988.

He also became an Inspector General of Police for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Following his retirement from the police, Mr Grundy went into local Government, becoming Leader of Kennet District Council in 2007. At the time he was not a fan of district councils and Wiltshire County Council being merged to create a unitary council.

But when Wiltshire Council was created in 2009 he was elected as councillor for the Urchfont and The Cannings division.

During his time at Wiltshire Council he was cabinet member for children’s services and portfolio holder for education. His impressive service as a councillor came to an end in 2013.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council said: “Lionel was a great man and a great friend and on behalf of Wiltshire Council I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

“I had the honour of succeeding Lionel as councillor for Urchfont and The Cannings and they were seriously big boots to fill, but he was also so supportive and generous with his time.

“He dedicated his life to public service and was respected and liked by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.”

When he was first elected as leader of Kennet in 2007 he told the Gazette: “”I am absolutely delighted to have been elected and I hope to continue with the support of all my fellow councillors.

“Fighting the county council’s bid to create a unitary authority will be our main priority.”

Mr Grundy’s police service started in Liverpool and he then moved on to Surrey and Hampshire.

He studied at the police academy at Bramshill and came to Wiltshire Constabulary as an assistant chief constable.

He retired as deputy chief constable in 1992. He went to London where he was appointed a senior police adviser for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. As Inspector General he went to the Caribbean, Gibraltar and to Commonwealth countries, attempting to improve the management of police forces there.

A private funeral will be held in line with the current COVID-19 restrictions, but a memorial service will be held as soon as that becomes possible.