The former Lib Dem MP for Hazel Grove, Andrew Stunell, has passed away.

Lord Stunell was elected MP for Hazel Grove in 1997 winning more than 50 percent of votes, a position he held until 2015.

An initial career in architecture followed a move into local politics, before he entered the House of Commons.

Lord Stunell's career in politics saw him serve as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government from May 2010 to September 2012.

From October 2015, Lord Stunell sat as a Liberal Democrat life peer in the House of Lords.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said he was "shocked and deeply sorry" to learn of Lord Stunell's passing.

He added: "Andrew was a dedicated public servant, not least to the people of Hazel Grove whom he served for 18 years as their local MP, a formidable campaigner, and a committed Liberal who worked passionately on issues like the environment, local democracy and political reform.

"Andrew has been a source of wisdom and support to me for many years. His humour and kindness will be remembered fondly by all those who came into contact with him. My thoughts and prayers are with Andrew's wife, Gillian, and all his family."

As an MP, Andrew Stunnell represented Hazel Grove constituency from 1997 to 2015 (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Tributes to the former Hazel Grove MP have poured in from around Greater Manchester.

Cllr Mark Hunter, leader of the Stockport Liberal Democrat Group said: "Andrew was the rare kind of person that gives politics a good name. His commitment and dedication to public service and the Liberal Democrat cause was the stuff of legend.

"He was famous for his clear-sightedness and humility whatever the pressure – a real 'people person' even before the term was invented. A great friend, colleague, and mentor to many of us – his contribution to the cause over so many years was immeasurable.

"On a personal level, his advice was always worth listening to and – more often than not – usually spot on. He had a wry sense of humour and well understood the occasional absurdities of politics, never taking himself too seriously.

"A man of strong faith and principle above all else, Andrew touched the lives of so many of his constituents in such a positive way. His name will long be remembered."

Marple, which sits in the Hazel Grove constituency (Image - Alexander Greensmith)

Paul Athans, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove, said: "I'm saddened to hear of the sudden death of Lord Stunell.

"He served loyally as a minister in the coalition government and his name is still brought up regularly in Haze Grove as a decent and hardworking man.

"My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends."

Cllr Lisa Smart, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove said: "Andrew was one of the warmest, kindest people I have ever met. He was the kind of person you want on your team. Hard working, honest and kind. He helped me work out what it was to make a difference in public life.

"He was one of those people who you could count on or trust with anything at all. Few of those people exist in anyone's life and I feel extraordinarily privileged to have known him as a friend.

"He had a rare gift for cutting through the pomposity in politics with his self-deprecating and often mischievous wit and humour.

"He leaves a huge hole in our community, but an incredible legacy that his family, whom he loved more than anything, can be extremely proud of."

(Lord Stunnell image from UK Parliament, licensed under Creative Commons BY 3.0)