The people of Erdington united yesterday, Sunday, to celebrate the life and achievements of their much-loved MP Jack Dromey, who passed away last Friday.

From 2-4pm outside the Co-op on Erdington High Street, district councillors, community leaders and local MPs joined a crowd of several hundred residents to reflect on Jack’s legacy.

The event, co-ordinated by the Erdington Covid-19 Task Force, featured a number of speakers sharing their reflections and memories of the former Labour MP and Trade Union campaigner. These included Birmingham MP Jess Phillips, City Council Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, City Councillor Robert Alden, Stockland Green Councillor, Josh Jones, Paulette Hamilton, the council’s Cabinet member for Health and Social Care and Birmingham MP Liam Byrne.

A spokesman said: “Jack’s dedication to helping local people was second to none. He was a principled and passionate man who worked tirelessly to improve lives and local communities.

“His legacy will live on through his many achievements, the friends he made and the lives he touched.”

Task Force partners from Witton Lodge Community Association, Spitfire Services, Urban Devotion Birmingham and Centrala also spoke at the event.

A musical tribute gets proceedings underway

 

Afzal Hussain and Linda Hines from Witton Lodge share their memories of Jack

 

City Council leader Ian Ward remembers Jack

 

City Councillor Robert Alden offers his reflections

 

Andy Winmill from Urban Devotion Birmingham reflects on Jack’s legacy

 

Magdalena Zielinska from Centrala pays her respects on behalf of Erdington’s Polish community

 

 

Ray Goodwin and Jane Roche from Spitfire Services with their poignant contribution