Bright, intelligent and inspiring, these are the words used to describe Brownshill man Ryan Davis, 22, the Chalford parish councillor and ardent Conservative who died peacefully at his home surrounded by family yesterday.

Ryan was wise beyond his years, beloved by many throughout the community, and from all sides of the political spectrum.

The St Martin’s pupil lived with cerebral palsy and used a specially modified wheelchair, but this was far from what defined him.

Ryan was unerringly ambitious and an inspiration to all those whose lives he was a part of, including his mum Emma, stepdad Jason, younger brother Callum and father Jeremy.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesman for Stroud Conservatives said: “It is with deep regret we need to announce the death of Ryan Davis today.

“He died peacefully at home in the company of his family as he wished.

“Ryan was a staunch Conservative standing for Nailsworth as a district council candidate last year and was due to stand for Stonehouse for the county council until ill health prevented him.

“He was a member of Chalford Parish Council. He will be sorely missed by all sides of the political spectrum.

“The funeral will be held at Woodchester Church where his great friend and mentor was also laid to rest.

“Further details of the funeral are to follow, but it is likely that Conservative rosettes will be worn to make Ryan smile in heaven “Our thoughts are with Emma and his family.

“These comments show in what high esteem Ryan was held by all and will be of comfort for Emma and all the family at this very sad time.”

Ryan was elected the youngest Chalford parish councillor for the Bussage ward in 2014 and made no secret of his ultimate ambition to become Stroud MP by 2020.

Paul Lilley, chairman of Chalford Parish Council, said: "Ryan was always cheerful and enjoyed attending council meetings at Chalford Parish Council.

"He participated in debates and had strong views on a number of issues.

"He will be sadly missed by his fellow councillors, clerks and groundsman and our condolences to his family at their loss."

The avid Liverpool supporter stood as a Conservative candidate in the Nailsworth and Horsley seat in last year’s Stroud District Council elections.

This aim was inspired by his life-mentor, the late Conservative district councillor for Nailsworth Paul Carter who died aged 63 in November 2014 after a battle with cancer.

Conservative Stroud district councillor for Chalford Debbie Young spoke fondly of Ryan, she said: “A truly inspiring individual Ryan died today.

“In this picture [picture two in the gallery above] he is centre stage as he always was at every election count and latterly as a candidate.

“His physical disabilities paled into in significance with his knowledge of local.and national politics. His desire was to be an elected conservative like his mentor Paul Carter.

“He was bright, intelligent and downright belligerent to the left and socialism, yet all parties respected and liked him.

“Ryan I will miss you and your banter, join Paul and look down on us with fingers crossed for elections and know I love you both.”

Sheila Talwar, principal of St. Rose’s, where he had been a pupil, said: “Ryan was such an important part of the St. Rose’s community. He had been here since he was two.

“It was a privilege to watch him grow into the wonderful young man that he was. He was an ambassador for young people with complex needs and represented them and their views. He touched so many people.

“Ryan had an absolute passion for politics and sport and we were proud to be able to support him to achieve the many things he wanted to do. He will be really missed by all of us.”

Conservative Stroud district councillor Haydn Jones, said: "Ryan has become part of the scene at our regular group meetings and I used to meet up with him at election counts and political events.

"We usually briefly discussed the merits of proceedings and he would inevitably comment on our opposition.

"I had the pleasure of being on the panel that interviewed him for the County Council elections.

"What a bright, intelligent and erudite young man.

"His ability to respond calmly and positively under pressure defined his character.

"He seemed to cope through challenge and adversity with a degree of good humour, dignity and fortitude that I am not sure I could summon.

"He certainly put the difficulties many of us occasionally face into perspective.

"A great example to us all. I learnt from him and will remember Ryan fondly."

One close friend, Stephen Young, had known Ryan since he as 10 years old after volunteering with the charity HCPT, as part of this work he took the Brownshill boy to Lourdes in France on several occasions.

He said: "He always was thoughtful of others and never once complained of his disability but rather embraced it was part of him.

"Whenever I visited St Roses and latterly St Martins, Ryan always greeted me warmly and was always far more interested in myself and my helpers that had spent time with him in Lourdes than telling me anything about him.

"Ryan always made you feel the centre of his attention and loved a laugh.

"As a Labour supporter we had many debates both serious and humorous and Ryan was always happy to take part in both.

"I became good friends with his wonderful mum Emma and cannot imagine the pain she must be feeling today. 

"Both myself and all of the HCPT helpers who knew Ryan are shrouded with sadness today but we are all proud to say we knew and loved Ryan."

If you would to pay tribute to Ryan email ebi@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk or call 01453 769423.