Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Birmingham councillor, Waseem Zaffar.
The Labour politician, who represented Lozells - the ward in which he was born - since 2011, held several key posts on the city council cabinet, including leading the introduction of the clean air zone. He was described by Birmingham City Council leader, John Cotton, 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," adding, "we remember a life lost too soon, and a family that has suffered the most terrible and shocking of losses."
Calling for pollution levels to be brought down across his city, Zaffar was passionate about environmental issues and founded the ‘Clean Air Justice Network’. He was also at the head as the city council brought in the Clean Air Zone in 2021.
Other leading local politicians were also praiseworthy in their tributes to Councillor Waseem Zaffar, with Preet Kaur Gill, the Labour MP for Edgbaston expressing her "deeply shock" of Zaffar's passing. "He cared deeply about his community, working hard to serve others,” she said.
“A proud Villa fan he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family at this devastating time." 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".
He was a member of the Sustainability and Transport, and Neighbourhoods scrutiny committees, and as a devoted Aston Villa FC fan, 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.
Writing on Facebook, Councillor Saima Ahmed said Zaffar was always ready to offer help and support. "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."
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!" Birmingham City Council’s 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.
He was 44.