A LEADING Newport councillor who was seeking re-election has died just a week before the poll.

Cllr Lloyd Delahaye, who represented Bettws, was cabinet member for public affairs.

Cllr Delahaye, 64, had heart bypass surgery in the past and was admitted to hospital recently for checks and adjustments to his medication.

But we reported that he was working from his hospital bed and wanted residents to know he was fighting to keep his seat.

Cllr Peter Davies, Conservative opposition spokesman on public affairs, paid tribute to Cllr Delahaye describing him as a "gentleman" and conscientious.

As a result of his death, the poll in the Bettws ward will have to be postponed until a later date.

It is the second vote to be delayed in Newport. A by-election will also be held in St Julians after the death of another candidate and sitting councillor, Liberal Democrat Pat Bull.