A Midland council Labour stalwart and former Birmingham teacher has lost a battle against cancer just over a week after stepping down as his political group's leader.

Harold Withnall, leader of the Labour group on Walsall Council, died at the Manor Hospital in the town at 4.15pm on Sunday.

Tributes to the 72-year-old councillor were led yesterday by the borough's outgoing mayor and Mr Withnall's long-time Conservative opponent, Councillor Mike Bird.

Coun Bird (Streetly) said: "Harold was a truly honourable man.

"Many politicians today are viewed as back- stabbing people, out for themselves and not to be trusted.

"Harold was from the old school and was known as a thoroughly decent man by everyone, both in his party and across the floor of the council chamber.

"When I was leader of the council, he worked closely with me to modernise the council and gave me great support.

"He also worked hard to heal rifts in the Labour group after some turbulent times in the 1990s.

"He will be sadly missed." Mr Withnall, who leaves a widow, Olive, a son and three daughters, underwent an operation at the Manor to remove an intestinal tumour this month, but the cancer was found to have spread to his liver.

A fortnight after coming out of hospital he resigned as Walsall's Labour group leader.

Last Thursday, his blood pressure dipped and he was re-admitted to the Manor where he died.

Mr Withnall, of Brookhouse Road, Walsall, was born in Bloxwich and was a teacher for 35 years. He retired in 1995 from Saltley School in Birmingham, He was first elected to the Willenhall South seat on Walsall Council 15 years ago and had led the Labour group since 1999.

Arrangements for his funeral have to be finalised.