COUNCILLORS have paid tribute to two stalwarts of political life in Worcester.

A minute’s silence was held at the Guildhall on Tuesday in memory of former councillor David Wright and Christine Davenport, who was a co-opted member of the council’s standard committee.

Mayor Mel Allcott said: “David Wright represented the Claines ward from 1979 to 1988 and was leader of the council in the mid 1980s.

“His brother John also served on the council. He co-founded Parkinson Wright Solicitors and was the co-ordinator of the 150th Elgar Birthday Festival in 2007.”

Mr Wright died aged 80 on June 3 at his home in Worcester.

Cllr Allcott said Mrs Davenport died aged 87 at the end of June.

“She had been an independent co-opted member of the standard committee from 2001 to 2016,” Cllr Allcott said.

“For much of that time she was the chairman. She was born in Bourneville and came from a business background.”

Deputy council leader Jabba Riaz said: “I was sad to hear about Christine Davenport. I knew her when I was a young whippersnapper.

“She was hugely professional and always did this council and the city proud.

“She was elegant, dignified and held her own in some tough conversations. We will forever be in debt of her service to this county and this city.”