A NEWLY elected Kidderminster councillor has died, the UK Independence Party has confirmed.

Tony Baker, 69, who was voted on to Worcestershire County Council last month to represent St Mary’s, is understood to have died of a suspected cardiac arrest after emergency services were called yesterday to the Morrisons car park, Green Street.

UKIP parliamentary spokesman Michael Wrench said: “It is with great sadness members of the Wyre Forest UKIP branch try to come to terms with the sudden and unexpected death of our dear friend and colleague councillor Tony Baker.

“As one of the founder members, Tony was a staunch stalwart of the branch and a driving force behind the party’s recent electoral success. He embraced his role as a newly elected county councillor with enthusiasm and immense pride.

“He will be sadly missed and Kidderminster will be the poorer for his passing, our sympathy and thoughts are extended to his family and friends at this difficult time.”