A COUNCILLOR who worked alongside an MP who died suddenly this week has paid tribute.

Cllr Beverley Nielsen worked alongside Erdington MP Jack Dromey on a number of projects.

She paid tribute to the 73 year-old, who died at home on January 7.

Speaking about Mr Dromey, husband of Labour grandee Harriett Harman, she said: "I am very shocked to hear the sad news of Jack Dromey’s death.

"My very sincere and heartfelt commiserations to his wife, Harriett Harman MP and their children. It is a terrible blow and such a loss for our West Midlands’ community.

"What a thoroughly decent person Jack was. Very considerate, always ready to help, a great champion, humanitarian, campaigner, a conviction politician who stood up for those he believed in – local people, his Erdington constituents and the West Midlands region.

"His role as a leading voice in the union movement is well known, but I was privileged to get to know and work more closely with Jack as joint chair of the All Party Manufacturing Group at the House of Commons.

"He relentlessly championed UK manufacturing and sustainable, green production.

"I am personally grateful to Jack for his contributions to books, papers, research, seminars and conferences that I, and colleagues, have promoted in recent years.

"He was so kind, always responding to our calls and requests giving interviews, sharing his insights and experience, even when he was unwell and right to the very last.

"There were no airs and graces but always a sincere interest and willingness to give and then give some more. Jack Dromey, my sincere thanks. The region has indeed lost ‘one of its best’."

Father-of-three Mr Dromey, who had represented Birmingham Erdington since 2010, is understood to have died from natural causes, having contributed to a Parliament debate as recently as Thursday.

Sir Keir Starmer remembered Mr Dromey, who was the deputy general secretary of the Unite union before becoming an MP, as having “dedicated his life to standing up for working people”.

There were also tributes from across the aisle, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeting: "Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jack Dromey MP. My thoughts are with Harriet and the family, and all those who knew him as a friend. May he rest in peace."