Tributes pour in for 'fun, talented' Jonny

TRIBUTES have poured in for Jonny Morris – one of Plymouth’s most colourful politicians – who has died at the age of just 56.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Mr Morris served Plymouth City Council’s Southway ward for nine years and was known for his love of his cats, crosswords, football, cricket and Inspector Morse.

Among tributes from Labour colleagues, Cllr Charlotte Holloway called him: “A unique and unforgettable character with an exceptional mind.” Luke Pollard, currently campaigning to retain his Sutton and Devonport parliamentary seat, said Mr Morris’ death was “a real loss” and Council Leader Tudor Evans highlighted the “talent, intelligence, and fun” he brought to Plymouth’s political scene.

Mr Morris was born in 1967 and his political career began in Reading in 1995 where he was lead member for environment on the local authority. Moving to Plymouth in 2003, he was elected to the council in a by-election in 2013 and went on to be re-elected in 2014 and 2018, serving Southway until he retired in 2022.

The city’s Labour party has collectively spoken of its “enormous sadness” at his passing. Cllr Evans said Plymouth Labour owed Mr Morris a “great deal” and added: “There’s much to be grateful to him for. A busy ward councillor, a parliamentary assistant and an organiser and coordinator of real talent.