Ex-MP pays tribute to former councillor mother

Jane Stevenson (l), a former Wolverhampton MP, said she was devastated by the loss of her mother

Tributes have been paid to a former Wolverhampton councillor who served for more than a decade and "leaves a remarkable legacy".

Joan Stevenson, 88, was the mother of former Conservative Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson, who lost her seat in this summer's election.

She said her mother had a successful career in teaching and after retiring, served as a Conservative councillor for Tettenhall Wightwick from 1995 to 2012.

"I'll always be incredibly proud of her, and grateful for the time I had with her in recent months", she said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday.

"Thinking about her life, I realise how amazing she was."

Born Joan Mattox, Mrs Stevenson attended Wolverhampton Girls' High School, then went on to study geography at Liverpool University.

"This was in the 1950s, when very few people went to university, and only a tiny percentage of them were women," her daughter explained.

"She had a successful career in teaching, retiring as headmistress of Valley Park School.

"After retirement, she served as a councillor for Tettenhall Wightwick from 1995-2012."

She said many people would remember her "endless kindness, intellect, her love for dogs, and her dedication to public service".

The Wolverhampton Conservative group said on Wednesday it was saddened to learn of her death.

"Joan served from 1995 to 2012 and leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not only through her work as a councillor but also as the mother of Jane Stevenson."