Tributes paid following sudden death of city councillor

Tributes have been paid to a Birmingham city councillor who passed away suddenly this week.

Penny Holbrook (pictured), a Labour councillor for Stockland Green, Erdington, for 16 years, has died at the age of 43.

Penny joined the council in May 2003, aged just 25, and has represented Stockland Green ever since.

The leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward described Ms Holbrook as “a personal friend and a proud Brummie who loved her city ”.

“Penny will be deeply missed by everyone at Birmingham City Council, and by the people of her ward, who she held in such high regard," Clrr Ward added.

The Birmingham Labour Group tweeted: “We are sad to share the news that our much-respected colleague Penny Holbrook has passed away. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved her. ”

Robert Alden, leader of the city council's opposition Conservative group, also paid tribute.

“Many councillors, regardless of their party, will remember her as a kind, caring and warm person, ” he said.

“Penny was always willing to have a chat and clearly wanted the best for the city of Birmingham."