TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Bradford councillor who has recently died.

Mohammad Masood served as a Heaton Councillor and also sat on the Council's decision making Executive committee.

Before he was elected as a councillor he worked for Bradford Council for nearly 17 years as a senior town planning officer and Bradford West Area Co-ordinator.

Kris Hopkins, former Bradford Council Leader and Keighley MP, said: “During my time as Bradford Council Leader, I was delighted to appoint him as corporate services portfolio holder - the first Muslim Conservative councillor to serve on the executive team.

“He worked incredibly hard in that role and was particularly proud to represent Bradford Council at external events including at Remembrance Day commemorations.

“Masood was also loyal to residents of his Heaton ward and did everything he could to ensure that their interests were strongly represented in City Hall.

“I kept in close touch with him after I stepped down from the Council and am shocked at news of his death.

“I wish to express my deepest sympathies to his family, particularly his wife and two sons whom he held so dear.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “I’m very sorry to hear of his passing. 

"He was on the Council before I was elected but from talking to colleagues I know he was a hard-working, sincere councillor who served his ward and the district well both during his time as a councillor and as a council officer before that.  My condolences to his family.”