TRIBUTES have been paid to former deputy Bill Bell.

He died yesterday aged 79.

Mr Bell spent just shy of 50 years in politics, fighting 19 elections in the UK and Guernsey, including an unsuccessful bid to become a Conservative MP.

He was also well known for researching and writing about the Occupation.

He retired from the States at the end of last term, having been Public Services minister for the previous four years.

Just before retiring, Mr Bell, who spent 10 years as States Electricity Board president, cited the electricity link with France as one of his biggest political achievements.

Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland said Mr Bell had come to the island with invaluable experience gained in local politics in England and business life.

‘Our community was the beneficiary. He will be remembered as a politician of the “old school”. He never compromised on what he thought to be right in order to pander to anyone or any lobby group,’ said Sir Geoffrey.

‘Bill never descended into the realm of personality politics, nor felt the need to resort to spin.’

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott said it was with great sadness that he had learned of the death of Mr Bell.

‘In my eight years in the States alongside him, I admired his devotion to his adopted island, his commitment and interest in politics generally, and his ability to express his views.’