Former Tory council leader dies in ‘tragic circumstances’ in Somerset

Tributes have flooded in for Conservative Party politician and landowner Anthony Trollope-Bellew, who has died suddenly in “tragic circumstances”. It is understood the married father-of-two, who was in his late sixties and serving on Somerset West and Taunton Council, passed away on Friday while on his land at the edge of the Quantock Hills. The former leader of the now-disbanded West Somerset District Council has been described as an “immensely liked and respected” farmer. He leaves a widow, Annabel, and two daughters.Conservative Leader at Somerset County Council David Fothergill has been left shocked by the “untimely death of Anthony in apparent tragic circumstances”.He said: “Anthony was larger than life character who cared passionately about West Somerset, the Quantocks and doing the right ‘thing’.”As Leader of West Somerset District Council and a Cabinet Member at Somerset County Council, Anthony was immensely liked and respected by colleagues and officers.”My thoughts are with his wife Annabel, their family and friends at this very sad time.” Tributes have poured in from colleagues of Anthony Trollope-Bellew (Image: Alain Lockyer / SWNS)Ian Liddell-Grainger, the Conservative Party MP for West Somerset, said Mr Trollope-Bellew represented a “huge loss to the Quantock community”.He commented: “The family name has been synonymous with the area for decades and Anthony was one of the most respected members of the local farming community.”I had known him ever since becoming MP here 21 years ago and have always had great admiration for the way he managed the two family estates.”But more impressive still was the way he devoted himself to public service as a district and county councillor and as chairman of the Quantock Commoners.”READ MORE: Sturgeon’s Indyref dreams shattered as green energy plan scuppered Ian Liddell-Grainger said Mr Trollope-Bellew represented a ‘huge loss to the Quantock community’ (Image: Western Daily Press / SWNS)Mr Liddell-Grainger added: “His knowledge of and love for the area made him a true champion of the Quantocks, one who represented and boldly spoke up for the interests of local families on countless occasions.”I know he was held in enormous esteem locally and there are many, many families who have been shocked by his untimely death and whose thoughts are now with the family Anthony has left behind.”Another former leader of West Somerset Council, Exmoor Conservative Councillor Steven Pugsley, also expressed his shock at the death of Mr Trollope-BellewHe said: “It is shocking and very sudden. I was sitting next to him on Tuesday evening at the SWT council meeting, chatting to him about just having his hip replaced and he was taking a full part in the affairs of the locality as he always had done for so many years.DON’T MISSLaura Kuenssberg clashes with Yvette Cooper over net migration target [INTERVIEW]’Can Rishi Sunak’s team pull off the Great Escape’ [OPINION]Gove slams Keir’s ‘dangerous’ plea for election [COMMENTS] Anthony Trollope-Bellew is understood to have passed away on Friday while on his land (Image: Alain Lockyer / SWNS)”He was the sort of person who led from the front. If he was involved in an organisation he would do his bit fully rather than leave it to anyone else to do it.”Although he had not run for the new unitary council, he was still someone who very much participated in local affairs and I am sure he would have continued like that.’Fellow SWT Councillor Benet Allen described Mr Trollope-Bellew as a “true Tory of the old school”, and said: “In February 2018, Anthony was quick to make me feel welcome, as a newly-elected councillor, to what was then West Somerset Council.”Almost immediately, we set about the process of merging with Taunton Deane – choosing a new chief executive along the way, in the first of what has become a series of local government re-disorganisations.”Councillor Trollope-Bellew was a true Tory of the old school – patrician, yes, but that came with the landowning territory. He served from a sense of public duty and was unfailingly charming and affable to his fellows of all parties. His steady hand, and willingness to serve alongside his political rivals, will be sadly missed by all of us at Somerset West and Taunton.”