"A politician who didn’t do politics": tributes paid to late Bradford councillor
Russell Brown passed away earlier this year
COUNCILLORS have paid tribute to their late colleague Russell Brown during an emotional meeting in City Hall.
The final full Council meeting of 2025 began with tributes to the Conservative Worth Valley Councillor – who died last month.
Councillors from all parties praised Cllr Brown, with his ward colleague Councillor Rebecca Poulsen describing him as “a politician who didn’t do politics.”
Cllr Brown represented the Worth Valley ward on Bradford Council for 15 years, and was passionate about promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education.
He helped create artwork that promoted events like the Tour De France and Bradford 2025.
Cllr Poulsen said: “He only received his terminal diagnosis three weeks before he passed away, and he dealt with the news calmly and philosophically.
“He was a politician who didn’t do politics, and he was liked and respected by politicians of all parties. That was evident by how many colleagues were at his funeral last week.
“He always enjoyed the practical side of being a Councillor, litter picks, clearing footpaths and getting tools out to do a project.
“He always saw the potential in young people, particularly those who are becoming disengaged and possibly going off the rails.
“He was able to connect with them and enthuse them about projects.
“He didn’t agree with all the arguments and back and forth arguments in the Council Chamber – the negatives of politics. He just wanted to represent people and do a good job. He got on with everyone and was friends with people of all political colours.”
Cllr Brown’s other ward colleague Councillor Chris Herd said he could reach out to all people, particularly young people.
He said: “I’ll miss him terribly. He was a terrific guy.”
Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe described their tributes as “touching” adding: “There is no greater mark of a man than his colleagues speaking so fondly of him.
“It was such a shock to hear he was so poorly.
“He cared about his ward and the whole District. He took an active role in City of Culture and made an important contribution to make it such a fantastic year.”
Leader of the Greens Councillor Matt Edwards said: “Some would say he was a grumpy old man, I wouldn’t say that, I’d say he was authentically himself.
“He was a dedicated public servant who took his role incredibly seriously.”
Councillor Talat Sajawal of the Bradford Independent Group described him as a “hard working, dedicated man who will be remembered with great respect for all that hard work.”
Keighley Councillor Joe O’Keeffe (Lab) said: “There is a brand of unpleasant politics in this country at the moment, and he would not like that. He was well respected cross party and his conduct was exemplary.”