Croydon mayor dies after suffering flu

THE Mayor of Croydon has died at the age of 41 after complaining of flu symptoms.

Councillor Jonathan Driver was found dead on New Year's Eve after concerned relatives called police who knocked down the door.

The history teacher had cancelled engagements in the run-up to the New Year and councillors said he had looked ill at the carol service. It is thought he suffered from diabetes which can exacerbate flu.

Mr Driver, the council's youngest mayor, had also been the mayor of Lambeth at the age of 30.

Croydon councillor and London Assembly member Steve O'Connell said: "It's a tragedy and such a shock. To me he was the perfect mayor. Everyone warmed to him and he treated everyone with such respect and humour."