John Burton ‘the man who discovered Tony Blair’ died age 85

Mr Burton, from Trimdon, was a Labour Party councillor in County Durham and was a member of Sedgefield Borough Council.

He served as Tony Blair’s constituency agent from 1983 and throughout his 24 years as Sedgefield MP, until Mr Blair stood down as Prime Minister in 2007.

John Burton pictured in 2010 (Image: ANDY LAMB)

Mr Burton worked tirelessly as the former prime minister’s agent, helping Mr Blair juggle his job as an MP with the demands of running the country from No. 10.

In 2013, he was awarded an MBE from the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles for his services.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, with his friend and agent John Burton, at Trimdon Village just a few hours before voting began in the 2001 general election (Image: NORTH NEWS)

Alan Strickland, MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor said he sends his “deepest condolences” to Mr Burton’s family.

Prime minister Tony Blair pictured with his agent John Burton as he arrives at Trimdon Labour Club on 10 May 2007 (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

In a statement he said: “John’s death has come as an enormous shock to us all. I send my deepest condolences to his family at this very sad time.

“John leaves a huge legacy. As election agent to Tony Blair, chair of Sedgefield Labour Party and a Sedgefield Borough councillor, John made a major contribution to our area and the Labour movement.

“Thank you John for your public service, your kindness and your wisdom. You’ll be sadly missed.”