THE leader of Bolton Council has paid a moving tribute to his “courageous and determined friend" Cllr Sufrana Bashir-Ismail who died last week.

Cllr Cliff Morris has spoken warmly of his “dear friend” Cllr Ismail, who lost her battle with cancer on Friday.

The council leader said: “We were deeply saddened to hear our dear friend and colleague Sufrana had passed away.

“The courage and determination she showed throughout her life, becoming the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Council, back in 2006 and through every campaign she took up, was an inspiration to all of us who knew her and worked alongside her.

Describing his former colleague as a “dedicated public servant,” Cllr Morris said: “She represented the people of the Crompton ward and the wider Bolton community with great enthusiasm.

“She always had time to listen and offer her support to those of all faiths and walks of life and I’m sure people will remember her as a committed and passionate representative of her community, who was never afraid to speak up on their behalf.”

Among a raft of achievements, Cllr Ismail was well-known for her work with the Home Start service, which offers support to families raising children in Bolton.

Cllr Morris said: “As a champion of the Home Start service she assisted hundreds of families with friendship, advice and practical help.

“She serviced as Cabinet Member for Public Health, and later Community Services. And was tireless in her efforts to make sure people across Bolton received those vital services and that their communities were places of which they could be proud.

He added: “Sufrana’s good friendship and her passion will be greatly missed by all her council colleagues.

“We send our sincere condolences to her family at this difficult time.”

Other prominent politicians have continued to pay tribute to Cllr Ismail on Twitter.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi said: “Saddened to learn Bolton councillor and friend Sufrana Bashir-Ismail has passed away. She worked tirelessly for communities in Bolton, a sad loss.”

North West MEP Theresa Griffin added: “So sad to hear of the death of Sufrana Bashir Ismail, Bolton’s first woman Muslim councillor and a women’s champion — thoughts with her family.”