Family tribute after death of Coventry’s first Asian Lord Mayor

THE family of Councillor Sucha Bains has paid tribute to a “brilliant man” who “broke boundaries in the history of the city”.

Cllr Bains died on Monday November 25 after a long illness.

The 83-year-old was a well-respected and popular figure at the council, having served virtually continuously since he was first elected in 1990.

Apart from a brief twoyear absence, he represented the people of Upper Stoke for the Labour Party for almost 30 years.

He was Lord Mayor of his adopted city from 2003-04 and the city’s first ever Asian Lord Mayor.

His family have paid their own tribute and thanked the community for their support.

A statement on behalf of the family said: “Sucha was a brilliant man who broke boundaries in the history of the city.

“He put his citizens first and always thought of the many, rather than the few.

“At home, he was a brilliant man who put others ahead of himself and that shone through in his work at the council and as lord mayor.

“On behalf of the family, we would like to thank you for all the messages of support.”

Cllr Bains was born in the Punjab in 1935 and after emigrating to England in 1959 he studied at the then Lanchester Polytechnic - now Coventry University - and went on to work for famous city names such as Jaguar and Alvis.

With his wife Darshan, he had three children, who were all educated at Stoke Park School.

When named as Lord Mayor he said he had wanted to serve the city that provided such a good home for himself and his family and to help address issues of poverty and inequality.

As well as serving his community, he was Chair of the Audit and Procurement Committee and his other appointments included a seat on the Finance and Corporate Services Scrutiny Board.

He also served as a governor for local schools, including Stoke Primary School and Stoke Heath Primary School.

Leader of the Council, Cllr George Duggins, said: “Sucha was a good friend and a wonderful councillor who cared very deeply about the people of his ward and of the city.

“He worked tirelessly and he was an example to all councillors. I came to the council shortly after Sucha and he was always a great friend and great source of advice. He will be greatly missed at the council and by all those he represented.

“Coventry has today lost a dear friend and our thoughts are with his family.”

Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Gary Ridley, said: “Sucha loved being a councillor and representing the people of his city and that was clear for all to see.

“He carried out all his duties with enthusiasm and respect and he was always ready to help colleagues - of whichever political persuasion - if it helped the people of the city.”