Plaque unveiled in honour of council leader

Family members and councillors attended the unveiling of the plaque in memory of Ian Brookfield

A plaque dedicated to the memory of a council leader after his death has been unveiled.

Ian Brookfield, who was leader of Wolverhampton City Council at the time, died in July 2023 at the age of 57 after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He led the authority from 2019 until his death and previously served as the city’s mayor in 2015-16.

His sister Valerie Balfour said it was a “great honour” to see her late brother’s name over the door of University of Wolverhampton at The Halls after the role he played in its refurbishment.

“He would have been thrilled to know that his name will be associated with a place where people will come to enjoy themselves for years to come,” she added.

A private ceremony to unveil the plaque was held at the venue in August, attended by members of Mr Brookfield’s family and councillors.

Ian Brookfield died in July 2023 after he was diagnosed with cancer

Mr Brookfield, a former nurse and Royal Mail worker, represented the Bushbury South and Low Hill Ward for which he was first elected in 1995.

Following his death, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praised his leadership during the Covid pandemic and his work to support residents during the cost of living crisis.