Tributes have been paid to Liberal Democrat councillor Frances Moseley, who died yesterday.

The Berrylands ward representative died at the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher, following a long battle with cancer.

Coun Moseley was first elected to the council in May 2006, and quickly became a senior member of the Lib Dem group.

At the time of her death, she was serving as lead member for better homes, co-chair of the place and sustainability committee and vice chair of the development control committee.

Council leader Derek Osbourne described Coun Moseley as a "remarkable, no-nosense woman" who worked hard for her constituents throughout her illness.

He said: "It's very sad, although not unexpected. She had been ill for a considerable amount of time.

"I spoke to her a couple of months ago and she said she wanted to stay as long as she could working for her tenants.

"Even from the hospice she was authorising councillors' questions and so on, and that was just last week.

"She really did show tremendous courage and commitment, particularly to the tenants and the poor people in the borough.

"I've been in the council since 1986 and I think she has been one of the most successful housing leads I can remember.

"She was a remarkable woman and we will all miss her.

"She was a no-nonsense woman. What she thought she said and I think people liked that style."

Conservative leader Howard Jones said: "She was very well respected by the opposition. She did her best for the community and her residents.

"Over the last few months she bore her illness with fortitude and bravery which was the mark of the woman.

"We send our sincere condolences to her family and friends. I'm sure she will be sadly missed."

A message posted on the Kingston Liberal Democrats website said: "We will remember Frances with deep affection and with admiration for her feisty approach to life and bravery."

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey added: "Frances was an amazing woman and one of the best councillors I've ever known.

"I and many others will miss her badly."