Tributes to long-serving Sheffield councillor and 'woman of steel'

Pat Midgley, 82 – who had been a Labour councillor since 1987 – was taken to hospital earlier this week and received oxygen but sadly passed away on Sunday, March 29.

Tributes have poured in from those who knew her, with party alliances put to one side to remember a ‘kind’ and ‘well-respected’ public servant of more than three decades.

Posting online, Pat’s son Neil said: “She was the most generous woman you could ever wish to meet, loved by so many, a completely unique character.

“She dedicated her life to serving her community and Sheffield. A true woman of steel.”

Pat’s daughter Joanna also paid tribute to her mother, who leaves husband Don, brother Tony, three children and five grandchildren.

Fiona Hannon of Croft House theatre company said Pat loved the theatre and was a big supporter of amatuer dramatics.

She added: "Pat was a lovely lady, a huge supporter of community theatre in the city and will be sadly missed by so many of us. She often came to see our productions at the Lyceum and sat on the board at our rehearsal venues."

Sir Kier Starmer, who is expected to become the next Labour Party leader, said: “Really sorry to hear we’ve lost one of our Labour family & councillor to CV19. Our thoughts are with Pat’s family & all those who lost loved ones in this time.”

Councillor Jayne Dunn said: “There are no words that can sum up just how much she was loved and respected.”

During her time as a councillor, Pat represented Nether Edge, Castle and Manor Castle. She also served as Lord Mayor of Sheffield between 2000 and 2001.

Liberal Democrat Council Leader, Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, said: "The fact that everyone from all different political parties are so deeply saddened by this proves what a difference Pat made to Sheffield.”

Lord Paul Scriven, former Liberal Democrat Council Leader, added: "I loved working alongside her, she was warm, supportive, funny and determined to make things better.”

Green Party Councillor Douglas Johnson said Pat was a “lovely councillor”, who “spent her time being nice to people.”

Stuart Bolton said she was “a true champion of the people.”