TRIBUTES have been paid to ‘one of the great characters of Bolton Council’, Cllr Rosa Kay, who has died at the age of 79.

Cllr Kay represented the Rumworth ward for the Labour party for 17 consecutive years after first being elected in May 1999.

During her time on the council she held a number of key cabinet positions, including as the authority’s lead for human resources.

Prior to becoming an elected member, she was the council’s full time Unison official.

Despite suffering ill health in recent years, Cllr Kay continued to serve her Rumworth community passionately and was comfortably re-elected to her council seat in May.

Leading the tributes, council leader Cliff Morris said he had lost a ‘very good friend.’

He said: “This is very sad news. I have known Rosa almost all of my life.

“As well as being a stalwart of Bolton Council, she was also a friend of mine for many, many years. “She had a long career as a councillor, serving her community well. She also held a number of cabinet member positions, including being the lead for HR issues.

He added: “Unfortunately, Rosa suffered ill health in recent years but she continued to work hard for local residents and was a valued member of the Labour party, having just been re-elected to Rumworth ward in May. Personally, I have lost a very good friend.”

Opposition leaders have also paid tribute, Conservative leader Cllr David Greenhalgh described Cllr Kay as “kind hearted, witty and genuinely nice person.”

He added: “I worked with Rosa for many years in many different areas and despite our political differences, we got on exceptionally well — she was one of the great characters of the council.”

“She had a wicked sense of humour and we had a lot of laughs, but she was also very pragmatic and I had total respect for her.”

He added: “It is very sad news, we have lost a kind-hearted and warm person.”

UKIP leader Cllr Sean Hornby said Cllr Kay showed ‘great determination’ to continue working for her community in recent times, despite her failing health.

He added: “Rosa was a passionate ward Councillor, well loved and respected by her community.

“Her loss will be felt and myself and other members of the UKIP Group on Bolton Council offer our condolences to her family and close friends.”