LOCAL politicians have expressed their sadness over the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, with Bradford’s Mayor describing her as “one of the greatest Sovereigns our country has ever known.”

An announcement from the Lord Mayor’s office this evening said: “The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love on behalf of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council has expressed his great sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“As a mark of respect and in accordance with national protocol, flags on City Hall and civic buildings across the district will be flown at half-mast and will remain at half-mast until 8am on the morning of the day following the funeral.

“Books of condolence are being opened across the district for members of the public to pay their respects and an online book of condolence will also be set up. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, the Council leader and the Chief Executive of Bradford Council will all sign a book of condolence which will be opened in City Hall.

“Books of condolence will be available at Bradford City Hall and at locations across the district.

“In line with official protocols the Lord Mayor of Bradford will write a letter of condolence to offer the sympathies of the district, which will be passed on to the new Sovereign.”

Cllr Love said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Over her 70-year reign of this great nation and the Commonwealth, she has touched the lives of so many people. When she first came to Bradford in October 1954, just 16 months after her Coronation, it was clear she was loved and cherished.

“Today we lower our flags and pay tribute to one of the greatest Sovereigns our country has ever known. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Royal Family and all those affected by her passing. She will always be remembered and always be missed.”

The Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the loss of Her Majesty The Queen. Her dedication to this country and the Commonwealth resulted in her being one of the most loved and respected rulers across the globe. The district of Bradford joins the rest of the nation in mourning her passing.”

The Chief Executive of Bradford Council, Kersten England, said: “Today we mourn the loss of Her Majesty the Queen. It has been an honour and a privilege to live under our longest reigning monarch. She was a highly regarded leader and her passing has affected people from across the district, the nation and the world. Over the coming days we will stand together to commemorate the wonderful achievements and life of Her Majesty the Queen.”

Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, Leader of the Conservative Group in Bradford, said, “My Conservative Group colleagues and I are, like many millions of people across the world, deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“It is a testament to her longstanding devotion to service of the people of Britain, the Commonwealth and others throughout the world, that there is such a worldwide, palpable, feeling of shared grief.

“Her Majesty’s acts of empathy towards the victims of natural disasters and other causes of suffering, are too numerous to memorise or list.

“Her Majesty, only very recently appointed the nation’s 15th Prime Minister under her reign, which in itself says a great deal about the duration of and the level of her dedication to the people of United Kingdom.

“Her Majesty continued to work through ongoing serious mobility issues at 96 years of age, having showed great stoicism in serving the people whilst still grieving for her husband & consort of 73 years, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Behaviours which were typical of her character and of great credit to her.

“Coupled with these characteristics, Her Majesty’s acutely diplomatic ability to transcend internal and international political differences, her natural warmth and endearing smile – shared with anyone and everyone, it goes without saying that Queen Elizabeth II will rightly be recorded in history as a Monarch of the People.

“Like the rest of the people of the United Kingdom, the members of the Conservative Group on Bradford Council share our deepest sympathies with all of those who loved her Majesty and we deeply mourn her passing.”

Councillor Matt Edwards (Tong) leader of the Green party in Bradford, said: “My deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the sad news of the death of the Queen.

“Seventy years of service to our country is a remarkable achievement and her reign has coincided with huge changes in our society. My thoughts are with her family over the next few days.”

Councillor Brendan Stubbs, Liberal Democrat Leader on the Council, said: "The Queen has served our Country and the Commonwealth with dignity and grace.

"It is with deep sadness that Liberal Democrat Councillors and members across Bradford offer our sincere condolences to King Charles and members of the Royal family.

"There is no tribute that can be paid that will suitably express the deep gratitude and sense of loss our Country feels today. Her service and faith for 70 years brought unparalleled respect and admiration.

"In the coming days we will all remember the many ways the Queen directly and indirectly touched our lives. The way she represented the very best of Great Britain to the world and dedicated her life to public service."

 

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “On behalf of the people of West Yorkshire, I would like to pay our respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.

“The sad loss of our longest-serving monarch will be felt right around the world, by people from all backgrounds and walks of life. As we come together to mourn, we should keep in our hearts the values that she embodied throughout her life – of courage, empathy, and compassion.

“She gracefully led our country, and the Commonwealth, through all manner of challenges throughout her 70 years with dignity and dedication, the likes of which we may never see again.”