Tributes paid to teen Maghull councillor Matty Lock with 'boundless enthusiasm' after sudden death

MP Bill Esterson described friend and colleague Matty Lock as "lovely young man who had achieved so much and had so many plans for the future". Credit: Bill Esterson

Tributes have been paid to a 19-year-old politician and campaigner who has died suddenly.

Matthew Lock, known as Matty, was a popular member of the Labour Party in Sefton and Merseyside and was recently elected town councillor in Maghull.

He was also a parish councillor in Lydiate.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner is amongst the hundreds of people to have shared their shock and sadness after his death was confirmed by friend, and Sefton Central Labour MP, Bill Esterson.

Posting on social media, in aa tribute he said: "Many people will be devastated by the news that @CllrMLock passed away yesterday.

"Matty was a lovely young man who had achieved so much and had so many plans for the future.

"I’m thinking about him, his boundless enthusiasm and about his mum and dad. Rest in Peace, Matty."

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, who had been pictured campaigning with Matty, paid tribute and said: "Incredibly sad news, Matty did so much for his community.

"My love and prayers are with his friends and family."

Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner was among those paying tribute to Matty. Credit: Angela Rayner

As well as a political career, Matty also made a number of appearances on ITV's This Morning, where he reviewed vacuum cleaners - an area that was a huge passion of his.

The programme's account said: "Everyone at This Morning is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Matty Lock aged just 19. He was a delightful young man, a joy to work with and his passion for vacuum cleaners and general mechanics was infectious.

"His family came to the studio and they were so proud that he’d turned a childhood hobby into a career. We will miss him and send our condolences to his family."

A tweet from the Labour North West account added: "I want to express our deepest condolences at the loss of Cllr Matty Lock.

"He had his whole life ahead of him, with huge potential, who I know was admired and loved across our party.

"Our thoughts are with his mum and dad and family at this difficult time."

A number of Liverpool Labour councillors shared their shock and sadness at the news. Cllr Anthony Lavelle said: "Devastating news - Matty had so much potential and left a lasting impression on those he met.

"Matty joined Labour, quickly getting a reputation for being a hard worker and become a town Cllr this year.

"Those who had the pleasure of meeting Matty, know he had a bright future."

Cabinet member Harry Doyle added: "So sad. Matty was only young and had so much potential.

"Not only was he an enthusiastic and hard working Labour member and Councillor, he had a passion for presenting and often appeared on This Morning.

"Thoughts with his family and friends."

The Birkdale Labour group described Matty as a "tremendous young man," while the Bootle Young Labour group said "his hard work will be forever cherished."