The passing of Councillor Elias Mattu is desperately sad news.

Elias Mattu loved Wolverhampton and the people of this city and his death is a huge loss. He had a tremendous sense of duty and was driven by a strong desire to help people. He worked so hard, attended countless events across the city over many years and his door was constantly open to everyone. And he did it all in a great spirit of generosity and warmth. Despite his long illness he carried on his duties as much as he could, determined to serve the people of Wolverhampton for as long as possible. My heart goes out to his wife Asha and his family and all of us who knew Elias will mourn with them for the loss of someone very special.