Philip Townshend became a councillor in 1999, representing Lower Stoke in Coventry, and was re-elected four times
A posthumous degree due to be awarded to the former deputy leader of Coventry City Council has been declined by his family over concerns for their safety.
The University of Warwick was to honour the late Philip Townshend but received complaints when it emerged police were investigating him for mortgage fraud.
His daughter has decided not to accept the honour, external "in the interest of the safety and security of the family".
The Coventry Telegraph reported she received death threats, external over the plans.
More on this and other stories from Coventry and Warwickshire
The university said it was contacted by Mr Townshend's daughter, Kirstie Logan-Townshend, last month asking not to go ahead with the ceremony.
She told the university the decision had "not been taken lightly" but added: "I think it's the right decision to make."
Mr Townshend was accused of defrauding a vulnerable woman, taking out a mortgage on the elderly woman's house without her knowledge.
Police launched an investigation but he was never interviewed before his death in October last year, aged 57.
The institution received several letters from members of the public criticising the decision to award him an Honorary Doctor of Laws, the first posthumous degree planned by the university.
Following the request from the family, a university spokesman said: "We will of course abide with this decision, and we will not now proceed with the offered award."
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