Business and academic leaders in Birmingham have paid tribute to Sir Albert Bore following his decision to step down as leader of Birmingham City Council .
The Ladywood councillor announced he would leave the role after 16 years following a week in which two of his Labour cabinet stepped down and more councillors threatened to jump ship
Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “Sir Albert will leave a legacy as a hugely influential leader of Birmingham.
“He has driven the economic regeneration of the city and it is partly down to him that the city is enjoying its acclaimed renaissance today. We will, of course, now work hard with his successor to drive the crucial role business has to play in the health and future prosperity of the city.
“It was typical of Sir Albert that in announcing his decision he said he did not want speculation about his future to be a distraction in the council.
“We should applaud Sir Albert for that sentiment, which comes at a time when the city faces a crucial time in the possible creation of a West Midlands Combined Authority.”
Professor Sir David Eastwood, vice-chancellor of the University of Birmingham, made an equally fulsome tribute.
He said: “Sir Albert Bore has made a remarkable and enduring contribution to the city of Birmingham and to its public life.
“He has been a tireless and passionate advocate of Birmingham, its diversity, and its standing as one of Europe’s leading cities. Birmingham has a long tradition of distinguished civic leaders and Albert Bore stands in that fine tradition.”
