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Sandwell council leader Darren Cooper dies aged 52

Tributes have been paid to Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper, who died on Saturday aged 52.

Councillor Darren Cooper, who was 52, had represented the Soho and Victoria ward in Smethwick since May 1991 and became Leader of Sandwell Council in December 2009.

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Tony Blair: 'Cooper was one of Labour’s most committed and passionate local government leaders'

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has paid tribute to Councillor Darren Cooper, Leader of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, who passed away yesterday, aged 52.

Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper passed away yesterday. Credit: Dominic Lipinski / PA Wire/Press Association Images and Sandwell Council.

Darren Cooper was one of Labour’s most committed and passionate local government leaders of the last twenty years and stood resolute in his support for the people of Sandwell.

A long-serving councillor, he worked diligently to implement Labour’s core values of social justice and equality of opportunity despite the huge challenges faced by local government over the last few years.

My deepest sympathies are with Darren’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

– Former Prime Minister Tony Blair

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