The sister of a devoted Birmingham councillor who died earlier this year is standing in the upcoming local elections, vowing to continue his legacy of community service.
Samarah Zaffar has confirmed she will be Labour's candidate in the Lozells ward, the same area her brother Waseem Zaffar represented until his sudden death at the age of 44. Waseem, a clean air campaigner and father, was widely praised as a passionate advocate for his community.
Continuing a Legacy
In a social media post earlier this month, Samarah Zaffar said she begins her campaign with a heavy heart but with unwavering hope and determination. She stated, "After the sudden passing of my brother, I want to continue his legacy and the brilliant work that he has done for this ward. I am passionate about helping people, supporting families, and ensuring everyone in the community's voices are heard and valued."
She added, "I believe with my help, Lozells can continue working towards progress in making this place a clean and safe environment for you and your family."
In her campaign material, she highlighted that her brother never flinched when it came to his fierce love for the community. "He taught me that when you stand up, you are counted," she wrote. "I am standing to continue his work: protecting our youth centres, ensuring dignity for our elders, and investing in Lozells. Because we must step up. No more division. Not here in Lozells."
Her other priorities include clean streets that stay clean and cutting crime to keep Lozells safe.
Tributes to Waseem Zaffar
Following Waseem Zaffar's death, Birmingham Council leader John Cotton described him as a passionate advocate of his community, a father, a husband, and a young man with so much more to give to the city he was proud to call home. Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill said, "He cared deeply about his community, working hard to serve others. My heart goes out to his family, especially his young boys, at this devastating time."
Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, called him a change-maker and a smart, creative, and energetic force in Birmingham politics. MP Sarah Coombes said, "I am devastated at the loss of my friend Waseem Zaffar. I can hardly comprehend it. My heart breaks for his family, and Birmingham has lost a true and devoted son."
The Battle for Lozells
Fly-tipping and drug use are among the issues blighting the inner-city area of Lozells, and some disillusioned residents are in desperate need of hope for the future. Independent candidate Rafael Costa said, "Things do need to change. I want Lozells to become a better community where everyone respects the area they live. Independent councillors have their own mind and the residents' voice." He added, "Everyone is tired of the situation they live in. They might not say it, they might even get used to seeing the rubbish everywhere and not having much money in their pocket. But they are tired of the situation."
The full list of candidates standing in the Lozells ward is as follows: Rafael Costa (Independent), Qiam Ud Din (Green Party), Peter Charles John Hinton (Reform UK), Raja Asim Khan (Independent), Andy King (Liberal Democrats), Nufayej Rayean (Independent), Dean Sisman (Conservatives), Taj Uddin (Independent), and Samarah Zaffar (Labour Party).
The elections on May 7 will see all 101 council seats up for grabs, determining which party or coalition runs the local authority. Labour will be fighting to keep control of the council but faces opposition from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Reform UK, independents, and others.
