TRIBUTES continue to pour in for Roger Hollingworth, former leader of Bromsgrove District Council, who has died at the age of 71.

Mr Hollingworth was a councillor for Alvechurch for 12 years and led Bromsgrove District Council for nine years until 2014 when he decided not to stand for re-election in order to spend more time with his family.

A statement issued by council leader, Margaret Sherrey and portfolio holder for finance, Geoff Denaro, read: “We were both devastated by his sudden death. Roger was unique in his ability to head on the problems he found on joining the council and subsequently transformed its performance of many years. He will be sadly missed.”

Councillor Sherrey and Councillor Denaro both served as deputy leaders under Mr Hollingworth in his role as council leader.

June Griffiths, Bromsgrove District and Worcestershire County councillor, said: “He was not just a councillor, he was a person who considered the residents and his aim was always to make sure the residents had the best deal that he could make.

“He and I were very close. We were not just colleagues on the council, we were very very good friends. I thoroughly enjoyed my four years working with Roger – he was a great person.”

Mr Hollingworth was the ruling Tory council’s unanimous choice to take over in 2005 and was immediately faced with challenging times for Bromsgrove District Council and its financial position.

Councillor Griffiths added: “If it had not been for Roger, I do not know what the council’s outlook would be. He was just determined that Bromsgrove would be a success.”

Amongst his achievements as council leader, Mr Hollingworth introduced shared services with Redditch Borough Council and worked to transform Bromsgrove town centre.

Sajid Javid, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of Roger’s death. I knew Roger to be an outstanding champion for this community, both as a former leader of Bromsgrove District Council and at home in Alvechurch.

“Roger was brilliantly practical and had a fantastic sense of humour. He was very much respected and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his wife Jacqui and their family at this sad time.”

Mr Hollingworth and his wife Jacqueline had three children, James, Mark and Sarah and two grandchildren.

Councillor Juliet Brunner, leader of Redditch Conservatives, said: "Roger was a charming man whose tenacity and drive was much admired. He always had the interests of Bromsgrove at the heart of all he did. He will be greatly missed."

Mr Hollingworth was involved with the Bromsgrove Muslim Community Trust, working to bring communities together within the town.

Dr Waqar Azmi, chairman of the Bromsgrove Muslim Community Trust, said: “He was not only a brave and brilliant council leader who had integrity, selflessness and honesty but also an amazing human being - kind, loyal and deeply generous man. These are qualities quite rare these days.”

“We should mourn with his family and give thanks for all he gave our town,” he added.

Mr Hollingworth also attended several events organised by The Bromsgrove Indian Community Forum and worked with the forum to create better community relations in the town.

A spokesperson from the forum said: "His optimistic attitudwe and sincere endeavours resulted in our council's better and improved ranking at the national level.

"We pray for the departed soul and extend our sincerest condolences to his family."

Funeral details are yet to be announced.