Parliamentary tribute to late councillor

5 hours ago

Susie RackWest Midlands

News image — Sarah Coombes MP, pictured with Waseem Zaffar (right) and London mayor Sadiq Khan (left)

Sarah Coombes A woman wearing a red Labour rosette stands in between two men. She has curly hair and is smiling. Sadiq Khan, on the left, has grey hair, and wears a white open necked shirt and grey blazer. The man on the right wears a floral shirt and black puffer jacket. — Sarah Coombes MP, pictured with Waseem Zaffar (right) and London mayor Sadiq Khan (left)

An MP has paid tribute in parliament to a prominent "proud Brummie" councillor who died suddenly a few weeks ago.

Waseem Zaffar, a Labour member of Birmingham City Council and environmental campaigner, died in January at the age of 44.

West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes said she would miss her friend "more than I can say" and called for a debate on health inequalities in his memory.

"There was no prouder Brummie than Waseem. He loved the city, he loved the Villa and he loved representing the people of Lozells," she said.

"As [council] cabinet member for transport, he was the driving force behind the city's clean air zone and he fought every day against the health inequalities that means so many Brummies die too young," she continued.

"He leaves a hole in the city that would be very difficult to fill."

Sarah Coombes A man and woman stand next to each other in front of a billboard. Both are smiling. He has black hair and is wearing a navy suit jacket and blue shirt. She has curly brown hair and is wearing a pink blouse and dark jacket and has her hand on his shoulder. — Coombes described Zaffar as a friend, who she would miss more than she could say

Coombes called on the leader of the House to join her in sending deepest condolences to Zaffar's wife Asha, his four sons and wider family.

"And can we have a debate on the health inequalities that Waseem cared so passionately about?" she asked.

In response, Sir Alan Campbell said he extended his heartfelt condolences to Zaffar's loved ones.

"Should my honourable friend seek a Westminster Hall debate, then she will not only be able to pay further tribute, but to explore what further action needs to be taken on these very important environmental matters," he said.

A mass release of balloons took place last week at the Lighthouse Young People's Centre in Aston to mark what would have been the councillor's 45th birthday.

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