Death of Darren Cooper: Hundreds pay respects during silence in memory of Sandwell Council leader
Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper during a one-minute silence outside the council house.
Councillors, staff and members of the community gathered at the Civic Square at 11am yesterday for the tribute to Mr Cooper who died on Saturday, aged 52.
Flowers and wreaths were laid on the benches beside the entrance, with one tribute saying he was the 'beacon of the community'.
Paying tribute, acting council leader Steve Eling said: "Darren presented everyone in Sandwell really well.
"He was full of love and was always committed and enthusiastic.
"When we learned of his death we were in shock, and still are. Everyone is trying to come to terms with this.
"But thousands of people have benefited from what he has done for Sandwell and he will leave a legacy that will remain for the years and decades to come.
"He was the son of Smethwick."
A speech by Councillor Eling and Mayor of Sandwell Barbara Price were read out before the one-minute silence began.
Councillor Price said: "He was not only our leader but our friend.
"Darren made sure that everyone was part of the Sandwell family and he cannot be replaced.
"We will miss him greatly."
Books of condolence in memory of Councillor Cooper have also been opened at the Council House in Oldbury and Smethwick Library.
He was first elected to office in 1991 and became leader in 2009.
