Phil Langley, the spokesman and political assistant for Barnet Council's Labour group, died suddenly last week at the age of 32.

Senior council figures this week paid tribute to an enormously talented and truly compassionate man' who had worked at Hendon Town Hall since 1998, dealing with public relations, media enquiries and policy research on behalf of Labour councillors. He was often quoted in this newspaper as the Labour group spokesman.

Labour group leader, Councillor Alison Moore, said: "Phil was a very special person. He was a superb political assistant, full of energy and enthusiasm. He was an enormously talented and truly compassionate man, valued as a colleague and friend by many people. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with Phil's partner, Allister, and his family at such a cruel loss."

Council leader Mike Freer said the Conservative group was deeply saddened' by Mr Langley's death. He said: "Phil was always respected not only for his undoubted ability but also for his unfailing courtesy to members. He is a loss to the council and our thoughts are with his partner and family."

Council chief executive Leo Boland said: "We are sorry to lose someone with Phil's considerable abilities. He made a substantial contribution to the democratic process in Barnet."

Mr Langley fell ill last week and was admitted to hospital, where he suffered a brain haemorrhage on Friday.