Tributes and messages of shock were today flooding in following the announcement of the sudden death of Birmingham councillor and clean air campaigner Waseem Zaffar, who has died aged 44. A devoted husband to Ayesha and father to three young boys, Mr Zaffar had served the community of Lozells as its councillor for 15 years. He was a proud Brummie and passionate Villa season ticket holder who was determined to do all he could to stand up for his community and city during his years of service. Labour MPs, union activists and his friends and colleagues locally were quick to pay tribute to a man they described as a towering figure in local politics, while his political opponents spoke warmly of his commitment to his community and his love for his family. Birmingham city council’s Labour leader Cllr John Cotton said of him: “Tonight, we remember a life lost too soon, and a family that has suffered the most terrible and shocking of losses.
“My thoughts and prayers are with them all tonight and in the days to come. “It is so incredibly hard to put into words how I and so many of my colleagues across the City Council feel tonight.
“Waseem Zaffar was 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.” Labour MP Preet Gill said: “I am deeply shocked by the sudden passing of Cllr Waseem Zaffar.
“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.” MP Sarah Coombes, West Bromwich, said of him: “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.” Clean air campaigner Mohammed R wrote on linked in: “Waseem was not just a councillor, he was a personality, a leader, and a chapter of hope for many.
“On the very day he left us, he was still saving others through the work he dedicated his life to.
“That is the measure of the man he was. “He served the community with sincerity and courage, playing a vital role in the @Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition #BHAC and leading from the front as a Clean Air Zone community leader.
“His work on air quality, public health, and environmental justice improved lives, protected children, and gave a voice to those who are too often unheard. “Birmingham has lost a true servant of the people.
“The environmental community has lost a champion.
“But his legacy will continue through cleaner air, stronger communities, and the people he inspired to stand up and act.” Mohammed Shafiq, vice president of the PCS Union, said: “Such shocking news to hear of the sudden death of Birmingham City Councillor and former Cabinet Member Waseem Zaffer MBE.
“Waseem was a towering figure not just in Birmingham but across the country.
“He served his community and the Labour Party for many years.” Birmingham Conservatives group leader Cllr Bobby Alden said of him: “While we had very different views on many things, Waseem clearly cared deeply for his local community.
“A lifelong Villa fan with a young family.
“It’s awful to hear this news and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this horrendous time. “May god watch over his children. “When I would find myself, as Leader of Opposition, attending events in his area he would always make me welcome despite being from opposite sides.
“He was always kind and polite in our dealings.” Roger Harmer, Liberal Democrats group leader at the council, said: “Terrible and shocking news.
“Waseem was a talented and leading member of the Labour Group who cared deeply about his community and the environment.
“I am so sorry for his family and my thoughts are with them.” Conservatives deputy group leader Ewan Mackey added: “So so sorry and shocked to hear this terribly sad news.
“I first met @WaseemZaffar in 2013 and his sense of humour and pride in his community will stay with me for ever.
“May God bring healing to the hearts of all his family and friends.” Former council leader John Clancy said in a Tweet: “Rest in peace, mate.
“Terrible, devastating loss.
“Prayers for you all.
“Difficult to take in.
“Love to Ayesha and the boys. UTV.”
Independent MP Ayoub Khan, who represents Birmingham Perry Barr, posted his reaction: “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.”
Baroness Shaista Gohir added: “This is very sad and shocking news he was a good local councillor – thoughts are with his family.” Hasan Salim Patel, a communications expert in the city and friend of Waseem, said: “The city has lost a truly remarkable public servant, and his legacy is there for all to see of what he did for Lozells and the city as a whole.
The city of Birmingham will be worse off tonight by this terrible and sad news.“ Community activist Jehangir Malik added: “The City has lost a true public servant.
“He was loved by many in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK and abroad – A truly remarkable inspirational young man who worked his heart out for causes in Birmingham and beyond.
“God rest his soul” Mr Zaffar’s death while in Pakistan was confirmed by his council colleagues and friends. He had been tipped to be a future leader of the city council, narrowly missing out on the top job in 2022, and had ambitions to be an MP.
He had been awarded an MBE in 2012 for his work in the community. Mr Zaffar was a passionate advocate for clean air and the environment, determined to help clean up pollution blighting lives in the inner city.
He had also served as a non executive at his area’s local hospital trust West Birmingham and Sandwell Hospitals. His zeal for projects including controversial LTNs, 20mph zones, safer school streets and anti pollution projects, and his advocacy for his heritage homeland of Kashmiri Pakistan, had made him a target for critics. He had previously described how being at the football with his sons, cheering on his beloved Villa, was one of his joys. One of his last social media posts was a photo of him and one of his sons at Villa Park.