MP calls for permanent tribute to former Wolverhampton Council leader

Neville Patten was first elected as a councillor in 1987 and had represented Oxley Park and Bushbury North before stepping down from the role in 2014.

The Honorary Alderman led the authority from 2008 to 2010 when it was run by the Conservatives in an alliance with the Liberal Democrats.

Now Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, has called for something to be named in Mr Patten's honour following his death in October.

Ms Stevenson, whose constituency includes Bushbury, said: "I was immensely saddened to hear of Neville’s passing in October, and my sympathies are with Neville’s wife Pat and his whole family.

"There can be no doubt that Neville absolutely loved Wolverhampton and took pride in serving the local residents of Bushbury for nearly 30 years.

"As Neville was also a former leader of the council, I feel it would be appropriate for the council to permanently mark Neville’s extraordinary service in some way, and I have asked the council to look into this.

"There have been some interesting suggestions including naming a new road in his honour, or the nearby Bee Lane Playing Fields. I am sure the council can find a fitting way to pay tribute to Neville’s service to Wolverhampton."

The MP has sent the request to Wolverhampton Council's chief executive Tim Johnson and has been backed by the city's Conservative group leader Councillor Wendy Thompson.

Councillor Thompson said: "Neville was a proud Wulfrunian and was leader of the council at a particularly difficult time financially for the city. He was also an avid Wolves fan and enjoyed spending time with his family.

"Everyone at the council remembers Neville’s dedication and commitment to the city, and I absolutely support Jane’s call for the council to mark Neville’s service in an appropriate way."

In 2008 Mr Patten had just been chosen to lead his group when a huge swing of support moved from Labour to the Conservatives – but the party didn’t have enough seats to control the council alone.

It led them to team up with the Liberal Democrats – two years before the same would happen in Westminster – with the council’s finances left "in a bad way", facing a £5 million black hole.

Cuts were drawn up to tackle the issue with the coalition also delivering a council tax freeze a year before then-Chancellor George Osborne made it standard practice across the country.