UPDATE: 16.23pm

Tributes from fellow politicians have been flooding in for Rhoose Councillor Philip Clarke who died after a motorbike crash yeterday.

Fellow Rhoose councillor Councillor Jeff James said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear that my fellow Rhoose Ward Councillor Phil Clarke has died tragically in a motor vehicle accident.

"Since he was first elected in 2012 he and I have worked together for the people of Rhoose Ward.  Where local issues were concerned there were never any political differences between us.

"I knew Phil for many years since he moved to Cwm Ciddy and for many of those years he had a successful career as a commercial airline pilot which was something he was really proud of.

"Phil was always a character who spoke his mind without fear or favour.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

"He was a proud family man and my deepest condolences go out to his wife and the other members of his family."

Leader of the Vale council, Neil Moore said: "I was stunned and saddened on hearing of the accident, where tragically Cllr Phil Clarke lost his life in a collision with another vehicle.

"I know that there has been shock throughout the council and some staff who knew him have taken it badly, as have other councillors who worked with him.

"My and the council's sympathy and condolences go out to his family on hearing the devastating news."

Vale MP Alun Cairns said: "My deepest sympathies go the family of Cllr Philip Clarke following the tragic news.

"He was a passionate and committed politician in the local community of Rhoose and further afield. I would regularly bump into him and his friends at Marco’s on Barry Island and around the Vale.
"He always impressed me with his knowledge of local issues, a straight talking approach and his positive outlook for the Vale of Glamorgan.”

Leader of the Vale council's Plaid Cymru group Chris Franks said: "Phil Clarke was a man of strong views, forcibly expressed.

"I respected his willingness to stand up and be counted. He was never one to bow to convention and said what he felt.

"He also was someone who enjoyed a bit of banter. The council will be the poorer for his demise. My condolences go to his family.  

"Phil had a lot more to give to the community."

Welsh Conservative Leader and Vale regional AM Andrew RT Davies said:"Phil Clarke was a man of great principle and standing who worked tirelessly on behalf of his community and constituents in Rhoose.

"His legacy will be a man who stood up and fought on behalf of residents and a man who was never frightened to speak his mind to improve the lives of others.

"My thoughts go to his family and friends upon this truly awful news - Phil will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

UPDATE: 3.17pm

The biker who died in the crash has been named locally as Rhoose councillor Phillip Clarke.

Welsh conservative leader Andrew RT Davies has paid tribute to Cllr Clarke:

UPDATE: 7.25am

A BIKER has died after a crash in Llandow.

Police say a red Scania van and a BMW motorbike collided at around 11.35am yesterday on the B4270 in Llandow at the entrance to the karting circuit.

The man riding the motorbike suffered fatal injuries South Wales Police ask that anyone who witnessed the crash, or either of the vehicles being driven prior to this incident to contact either Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the police on 101, quoting incident number 1600111656.