Ken Ellcome: Tributes paid after ‘shock’ death of former Portsmouth Lord Mayor

Friends, family and colleagues spoke of their shock after hearing of 'dedicated' Ken Ellcome's 'sudden' death this morning (Feb 3).

Mr Ellcome, who served as a Portsmouth city councillor between 2011 and 2019 and as Lord Mayor in 2017, was with his wife Jo in the Indian state of Kerala when he died aged 74.

His son, retired police officer Nick Ellcome, thanked others for their support. He said: 'His passing was a great surprise.

'We are immensely proud of the contribution he has made to Portsmouth.

'He provided many years' service to the council and the city of Portsmouth both in the police and as a councillor. He was a great role model for me growing up and for his grandchildren too.'

Mr Ellcome was born in Portsmouth and served under Hampshire Constabulary for around 30 years. He then worked as a traffic officer at Portsmouth City Council before being voted in as a councillor for Drayton and Farlington ward.

He stepped down as a councillor in May 2019 when he moved to Northern Ireland with Jo.

Friend and fellow Conservative, Councillor Frank Jonas, said: 'My thoughts are with his wife and family. He was such a well-loved character.

'It's a very sad day. It was quite a shock.'

Tory group leader, Cllr Donna Jones, described Mr Ellcome as an 'upstanding' community member. 'The Portsmouth Conservative party is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Lord Mayor and city councillor Ken Ellcome,' she said.

'The majority of his life was dedicated to public service. Ken’s sons still live in the city and we send them and his family our deepest condolences at this sad time.'

Portsmouth South MP and Portsmouth Labour leader Cllr Stephen Morgan added: 'My thoughts and prayers are with Jo and the family at this difficult time.

'He will be missed by others who serve or have served on the city council.'

Mr Ellcome is survived by two sons, Nick and Russell, and three grandchildren.