Alan Rust, the Elections Manager for the London Borough of Hounslow died at the weekend after a two-and-a half-year battle with cancer. He leaves a wife and four teenage children.

"Alan joined Hounslow in 1975," said Mike Smith, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal)

"He organised all aspects of elections for the Council from General elections to Local, EC to GLA. He was an enormously well-respected officer with both members and the hundreds of people he worked with during election times.

"His experience and expertise was also valued outside the Council and on many occasions his advice was sought by colleagues in other authorities around the country. Alan was also active in his local community and was involved in the church and his parish council in Essex.

"Everyone who worked with Alan will remember his courtesy and professionalism. He will be very much missed."