ONE of the West Midlands’ longest-serving members of the European Parliament has died at the age of 63.
Philip Bradbourn, who has been an MEP for the region since 1999, lost his battle with cancer on December 19.
After being born and bred in the Black Country, Mr Bradbourn was educated at Tipton Grammar School, Wulfun College and Worcester College – there in 1972 he obtained a post-graduate Diploma in Municipal Administration.
He was diagnosed with bowel cancer just weeks after celebrating his fourth successful European election campaign in May.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Bradbourn who was awarded the OBE in 1994 for public and political service and has been described as a ‘deeply principled man who stuck to firmly-held beliefs throughout his career’.
Ashley Fox, leader of Britain’s Conservative MEPs, said: “Phil Bradbourn was a one-off – a much-loved character who could always be relied on for a robust intervention and a succinct summary of a political point.
“His no nonsense approach to politics made him a powerful voice for the West Midlands as well as a resolute defender of the British taxpayers’ interests in Brussels and Strasbourg.”
Fellow West Midlands MEP Anthea McIntyre, who knew Mr Bradbourn for almost 40 years, said she was deeply saddened, adding he had been a real champion of the region and its people in the European Parliament and was well-respected across the political spectrum.
“He will be greatly missed,” she said.
