Graham Booth described as a true gentleman and responsible for UKIP’s strength in the region.

Tributes have been paid to former South West MEP Graham Booth, who has died after a short illness.

Mr Booth represented the region in the European Parliament from 2002-2008.

Trevor Colman, who took over Mr Booth’s seat for the UK Independence Party, said he had lost a loyal and generous friend of many years.

“Graham was far more than a politician,” said Mr Colman. ”He was successful businessman, a devoted family man and published books of comic verse which were the fount of his incredible sense of humour.

“He fought to establish the Party, not just in his beloved South West but throughout the country.

“It is fair to say that without his intervention in the European Parliament that the Scilly Isles helicopter shuttle service would not be active today”.

Another South West, MEP Lord William Dartmouth, said that Mr Booth would be sadly missed.

“He was a true gentleman, admired by politicians from all parties and who had a wide circle of friends as well as a loving family.”

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said that without the hard work of Mr Booth the party would not be as strong in the region as it now was.

”He worked tirelessly for the South West,” said Mr Farage.