Tributes pour in for Wolverhampton Council leader who died following battle with cancer

Councillor Brookfield, 57, who was councillor for the Bushbury South and Low Hill Ward, was first elected in 1995.

He became leader of the council in 2019 and served as mayor of Wolverhampton for the municipal year 2015-16, raising over £17,000 for his chosen charities.

He previously worked as a qualified nurse and before being elected as leader, worked for Royal Mail.

Council bosses have paid tribute to Councillor Brookfield calling him a "proud and committed leader" who was "relentlessly dedicated" to serving the people of Wolverhampton.

In a joint statement, Councillor Stephen Simkins, deputy leader of Wolverhampton Council and Tim Johnson, chief executive of Wolverhampton Council said: "It is with great sadness that Wolverhampton Council announces the passing of its leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield.

"On behalf of everyone at Wolverhampton Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time.

"He was a proud and committed leader of the city, relentlessly dedicated to serving the people of Wolverhampton until the end.

"While news of his passing is greeted with profound sorrow, he will be remembered by all who met him with great affection and a deep appreciation for his years of public service to the city he loved.

"Details of funeral arrangements and how people can pay their respects will be shared in due course.

"We ask that that the privacy of Councillor Brookfield’s family is respected at this time."

Councillor Simkins added that he had been an "inspirational" leader, adding: "He took tough decisions head-on and brought investment into the city. "It will be such a massive hole to fill. He was larger than life and a father figure to the city.

"Everyone has said how he was also a friendly person and he was a proper family man."

Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, Wolverhampton Labour group secretary, said Mr Brookfield was a "brilliant leader" who had guided the council through some difficult times.

He said: "As a leader he was a visionary who was full of ideas.

"He was always very fair with everyone, and I will miss him greatly.

"He was a great man and my thoughts are with his family."

Former councillor Beverley Momenabadi, who was Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said she was "devastated" to hear the sad news.

She said: "Ian did so much for the city and we are all gutted at his loss.

"When Ian came in to his post as leader, he put children and young people at the forefront of his policies.

"Whether that be ensuring that no child went hungry or committing funds for #YoWolves and activities all-year round so that children had opportunities to thrive.

"Ian was a man of his word, an inspirational leader and, he in turn became a friend."

Councillor Paul Singh, who represents the Penn ward, said: "I am deeply saddened by the sad loss of Councillor Ian Brookfield. I have known Ian since my election 17 years ago. Over the years, we sat on many committees together and enjoyed a great working relationship.

"His devotion to his family and to the city of Wolverhampton was unquestionable.

"He had a great sense of humour, and we had many memorable moments together. Ian, you will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Paula and his family. Rest in peace, my friend."

Conservative Councillor Wendy Thompson, opposition leader on Wolverhampton Council, said he was a "genuine and loyal person" who had shown "great courage".

She said: "The whole of the Conservative group is very sorry to hear the sad news about Ian and our thoughts are with his family.

"Ian showed great courage in fighting his final illness and was present at some occasions which it was very obvious it was an effort for him, but he was determined to be there.

"We admire him very much for that. Ian was a very genuine and loyal person who cared a great deal about his adopted home of Wolverhampton."

The city's MPs have also paid tribute to Councillor Brookfield and said he did a "wonderful job" leading the council.

Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson, said: "I am really saddened to hear about Ian’s death, especially at such a young age.

"Ian had a great sense of humour, and while we disagreed politically, I have fond memories during my time as a city councillor attending West Midland Pension Committee conferences, which he chaired from September 2016 to May 2019.

"Ian will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with Paula and the rest of his family."

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, said: "This is very sad news. Ian did a wonderful job leading the council and the city through the difficult years of the pandemic and had so much more to give.

"He has shown incredible strength since his diagnosis and was determined to keep working as long as he could.

"My thoughts are with his wife Paula and his family."

Stuart Anderson, MP for Wolverhampton South West, added: "I am saddened to hear that the leader of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, has passed away.

"It was always a pleasure to work with Ian, who cared deeply for everyone across Wolverhampton. My thoughts are with Ian’s wife, Paula, and their family at this time."

Leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, said he gave many years to local government.

He said: "I’m sad to learn of the passing of Ian Brookfield.

"He led his city through the pandemic and drove the work to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

"On behalf of the whole Labour Party, condolences to his wife Paula and their family."

Council leaders elsewhere in the Black Country have also paid tribute.

Walsall Council leader, Councillor Mike Bird said: "He will be sadly missed. He has passed away at a very young age as well. "My thoughts go out to his family."

Dudley Council leader, Councillor Patrick Harley said it was tragic news.

He added: "It's rare for us to lose elected members and indeed leaders.

"This is very sad. Ian was a great colleague, even when we had political differences he was a great ambassador for the West Midlands. Some of his work will be remembered for many years.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Sarah Moorhouse, Black Country Chamber CEO said the chamber was also very sad to hear the news.

She said: “Councillor Brookfield was a passionate, proud and committed leader here in Wolverhampton, relentlessly dedicated to serving the people and the business community, he was always eager to promote the area and was a man who put his life and soul into the council’s work. He will be truly missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”