City councillor dies after short illness

Kerry Jenkins died aged 62 after a short illness

Tributes have been paid to a "deeply principled" Birmingham councillor who has died aged 62 after a short illness.

Kerry Jenkins, who represented Labour in Moseley, died on Thursday, her family announced on her social media.

Ms Jenkins joined the council in 2014 and had represented the ward since it was created in 2018.

Leader of Birmingham City Council John Cotton said: "Kerry was a loyal and passionate friend and colleague and someone who cared deeply about helping and supporting others."

He added: "She was a deeply principled champion for young people in Birmingham and someone who worked tirelessly for the people of Moseley.

"She will be sorely missed."

Ms Jenkins' family said she had died with her four children and close relatives at her bedside.

Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of the council, said: "Kerry was never afraid to speak up on the things that mattered to her, never afraid to call out injustice and would often support many friends in the Labour Group.

"She was supportive to many in the community and also creative - her knitting was on point.

"We always talk about the need for strong women in politics - Kerry was one of the strongest in the Chamber."