Tributes paid as prominent Birmingham councillor dies

Tributes have been paid to senior Birmingham councillor Waseem Zaffar, who has died at the age of 44.

The Labour politician, who grew up in Lozells, had represented the ward since 2011 and held several key posts on the city council cabinet, including leading the introduction of the clean air zone.

He has also been remembered as an avid Aston Villa FC fan who "worked hard to serve others".

John Cotton, the leader of Birmingham City Council, described him as a "passionate advocate of his community, a father, a husband, a young man with so much more to give to the city he was so proud to call home".

He added: "Tonight, we remember a life lost too soon, and a family that has suffered the most terrible and shocking of losses."

Labour MP for Edgbaston Preet Kaur Gill also said she was "deeply shocked" by Zaffar's "sudden passing".

"He cared deeply about his community, working hard to serve others. My heart goes out to his family, especially his young boys, at this devastating time. A proud Villa fan he will be greatly missed," she said.

Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, described him as a "change-maker" who was "a smart, creative and energetic force in Birmingham politics".

Zaffar was a passionate campaigner on environmental issues, founded the Clean Air Justice Network and called for pollution levels to be brought down across the city.

He was also often the one answering questions as the city council brought in the Clean Air Zone in 2021.

Writing on Facebook, Councillor Saima Ahmed said Zaffar was always ready to offer help and support.

She added that he "believed deeply in equality " and "consistently spoke up for the community and his colleagues regardless of political differences".

"His loss is felt deeply - the community, his friends and all of us who had the honour of knowing him. We have lost a leader, a voice of integrity and a kind-hearted friend."

He was a member of the Sustainability and Transport, and Neighbourhoods scrutiny committees, and most recently was part of the Safety Advisory Group that came under fire for the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa Park.

Key cabinet posts he held over the years also included transport, equalities and social justice, although he stepped down as equalities chief in 2017 after criticism from the government integration tsar.

Conservative group leader Robert Alden said while he and Zaffar held very different views on many matters, he "clearly cared deeply for his local community".

"It's awful to hear this news and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this horrendous time," he said.

Sarah Coombes, Labour MP for West Bromwich, wrote: "I am devastated at the loss of my friend Waseem Zaffar. I can hardly comprehend it. My heart breaks for his family and Birmingham has lost a true and devoted son.

Independent MP for Perry Barr Ayoub Khan said: "We may have had political differences, but I had a lot of respect for Cllr Waseem Zaffar. He was truly passionate about the community he served. I'm deeply shocked by his tragic passing today.

"He will be dearly missed. May Allah grant him the highest maqam in Jannat-ul-Firdous!"

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