Elias Mattu: Book of condolence in memory of mayor signed by people from across political divide
A book of condolence set up in memory of much-loved city mayor Elias Mattu has been signed by people from across the political divide.
Mr Mattu died aged 59 last week following a long battle with illness.
He had represented Wolverhampton’s Graiseley ward for Labour for almost 18 years, and was appointed the city’s 159th mayor last year.
Mr Mattu leaves behind his wife Asha and children Anthony, Ishmael and Jessica.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Mattu in the public book of condolence set up inside the Civic Centre.
It has been signed by deputy mayor Phil Page, deputy leader Pete Bilson and Conservative group leader Wendy Thompson – as well as members of the public.
Tributes have flooded in for Mr Mattu, who held key positions on the council during his 18-year term.
He served as cabinet member for leisure and communities and cabinet member for adult services, chairman of scrutiny panel, licensing committee and member champion for equalities.
Mr Mattu also held roles on outside bodies representing the council, including the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, West Midlands Equality and Diversity Board, West Midlands LGA, Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and its Central Regions vice-chairman.
Among those who paid tribute to Mr Mattu are Wolverhampton council leader Roger Lawrence who said: “Elias was my friend and a loyal, dedicated and loving family man. Elias served his city and council for nearly two decades with huge dedication and commitment.
“He was one of our city’s favourite sons, a hugely popular councillor and person, hugely respected by the people he served. He will be profoundly missed.” Councillor Pete Bilson added: “Elias was an extremely loyal and committed councillor who had a great unifying influence across the city.
“He always had time for people and will be fondly remembered.”
Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden said the city had lost ‘someone very special’. “The death of Councillor Mattu is a huge loss for Wolverhampton,” he said. “A fantastic and tireless public servant, he worked so hard for the people of the city, always in a spirit of great generosity and warmth,” he added.
Emma Reynolds, the MP for Wolverhampton North East, described Mr Mattu as ‘a great friend, generous colleague and fantastic local councillor’. “He will be sorely missed,” she said.
