Tributes paid to ‘stalwart’ Walsall councillor following death

Councillors in Walsall have paid tribute following the death of a Labour ‘stalwart’, Rose Burley.

Members described the former Mayor of Walsall as committed, dedicated and a passionate advocate for animal and women’s rights.

Rose Burley was first elected for Pheasey in 1995 until 2003 and Darlaston South between 2004 and 2007.

She returned as a councillor for the Bentley and Darlaston North ward in 2010 until May this year. Rose also served as Mayor of Walsall during 2021 and 2022.

Speaking at a meeting of full council on November 2, members shared tributes to Rose.

Councillor Simran Cheema said: “Rose was a huge and respected figure in Walsall politics and the Labour Party having dedicated so much of her life to public service. Rose was a strong feminist and a passionate advocate for women’s rights and was a committed advocate for animal welfare.

“Rose leaves behind a big legacy, not only for the offices she held but the many people she supported, inspired and helped along her life.”

Councillor Mushtaq Ahmed said: “I knew Rose for many years and I found her to be very kind and very helpful. Rose will be missed by many of those that she helped.”

Councillor Aftab Nawaz, leader of Walsall Community Independents, added: “Many years ago on Bridge Street here, there used to be the Labour offices.

“I remember going in there many years ago when I was quite new to politics. We’d hear a lot about Rose and people were quite scared of all the hype but she was a lovely character.

“I didn’t agree with her always, we had many interesting arguments, she was never afraid of giving her views. In Darlaston North where she ended up, her and Angela ran that area really well.

“Angela, unfortunately, we lost some time ago now and now Rose has gone. Two people who really cared for that ward and did a lot of work there. Rose together with the late Wally Burley were a formidable couple within the Labour movement.”

Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Adrian Andrew, said: “We’ve lost another stalwart, we’ve lost another character. Just a meeting or two ago we were paying tribute to Angela Underhill when we lost her as a stalwart and a character in this town.

“Mine and Rose’s relationship did not get off to a great start. I fought a hard campaign in Pheasey against Rose in 1999 and she beat me. A year later I got in and three years after that, Rose lost Pheasey Park Farm by 34 votes to Chris Towe. Of course we were ecstatic but Rose wasn’t.

“Her dedication to the Labour Party was second to none in my opinion. Particularly back then and particularly in partnership with Wally.

Councillor Gurmeet Singh Sohal added: “Rose Burley gave many years of public service. The community she represented will remember her with gratitude and respect. At this difficult time I offer my condolence to her daughter, granddaughter, friends and colleagues, and all those who knew and loved her.”

Councillor Tim Wilson said: “As the mayor she did an amazing amount of work in Aldridge which was greatly appreciated by everybody in Aldridge. I want to give my thoughts to her family and friends.”

Councillor Khizar Hussain said: “I knew Rose for a very long long time in the Labour Party. I learnt a lot from Rose. We sometimes didn’t see eye to eye on certain issues but I always respected her for her dedication and community public services. We’ve lost another stalwart, Angela Underhill as well, and they will be sorely, sorely missed.”

Councillor Peter Burton said: “I first met her and Wally in the late 1990s. I can say we didn’t always get on, but I ought to say, from the people of Darlaston and Bentley, thank you for all the hard work and all the good things you did for them.”

Councillor Rose Martin added: “Rose did an awful lot in the community and her granddaughter grew up with my granddaughter. We shared a lot in common. She was a lovely lady. Very dedicated to the Labour Party but also to the residents she represented in Walsall.”

Councillor Daniel Rollinson, leader of Walsall People’s Alliance, said: “We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to councillor Rose Burley’s family and friends. To serve the public for so many years is clearly a life lived very honourably and a great example for us all.”

Councillor Stuart Chapman added: “Me and Rose go back probably 25 years. We very seldom agreed on anything but I had much respect for the way she handled herself. I very much echo your sentiments, that’s another stalwart we’ve lost, a lot of experience, and she will be missed.”

The Mayor of Walsall Councillor Alan Fleming added: “Rose Burley dedicated many years of her life to public service and was honoured to share the many activities and events with the people in our borough during her time as Mayor. She served her community with kindness, loyalty and respect and was valued by everyone who knew her.

“On behalf of Walsall Council and the entire borough, I extend our deepest condolences to Rose’s family, friends and former colleagues at this time.”

By Rachel Alexander | Local Democracy Reporting Service