COVENTRY councillors have paid tribute to two long-serving colleagues who are standing down this year.
The duo have represented the city for a combined total of 37 years.
Kieran Mulhall, a Labour councillor for Radford ward and Michael Hammon, a Conservative member for Earlsdon have both served as Lord Mayor of the city.
They will stand down at the May elections after deciding not to contest their seats.
Coun Mulhall has served the city as a councillor for 20 years and has been on a number of committees, including a spell as deputy chair of planning. He was Lord Mayor in 2011/12.
Coun Hammon first served as a councillor from 1987 to 1996 and was then re-elected in 2010.
He has served on a number of scrutiny boards and was Lord Mayor in 2015/16.
Current Lord Mayor Coun Tony Skipper, a former Earlsdon councillor, said: “I may have been on the opposite side to Coun Hammon on council policy but we were together in dealing with issues for the people of Earlsdon and he has always been a very hard-working ward councillor.”
Leader of the Conservative Group, Coun Gary Ridley, also paid tribute, saying Coun Hammon had also served as a councillor in Warwickshire meaning he had a combined service of over 50 years to the people of the region.
He said: “He has been a valued colleague and friend and has been a fantastic local councillor for the people of Earlsdon.”
Leader of the Council, Coun George Duggins, led the tributes to Coun Mulhall.
He said: “He has been a loyal and valued member of the Labour Group – he may have been one of the quieter people, but when he does talk people listen.
“He was so proud to represent the city as Lord Mayor and was a wonderful ambassador for the city.
“Sadly he lost his beloved wife Norma early on in that year, but he carried on in the role, with the support of his sister and daughter and was a marvellous Lord Mayor.
“I know he will missed by his constituents and colleagues.”
Both councillors are set to be made Honorary Aldermen of the city at the council’s AGM in May.
