Tributes to ex-mayor who served city for 38 years

Tributes have been paid after the death of a "legendary" former mayor and longstanding Wolverhampton councillor.

John Rowley served as a Blakenhall ward councillor for 38 years until November 2020 and was made an honorary alderman by City of Wolverhampton Council in 2022.

He was the city's mayor between 2003 and 2004, and a former cabinet member for communities who also chaired multiple committees and panels for the authority.

Current mayor Craig Collingswood said he was "deeply saddened" to hear about the death of Mr Rowley, who had shown "dedication and commitment to the people of the city".

"John served the city as a councillor with great distinction for almost 40 years," he added.

"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."

MP for Wolverhampton West Warinder Juss said his thoughts were also with Mr Rowley's friends and family.

"As a councillor in Blakenhall, John was an excellent representative of his constituents and showed great commitment to public service and to the city of Wolverhampton. He will be greatly missed," he said.

Dudley Council shadow leader councillor Adam Aston called the former councillor a "true son of Wolverhampton" and a "legendary campaigner for Labour".

He was "always a friend to Dudley" and would be greatly missed, Aston added.

Honorary aldermen are invited to attend full council meetings in a non-participating capacity and invited to various civic functions.

Their names are inscribed on a roll of honour board on the ground floor of the Civic Centre.

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