Former colleagues pay tribute to ex-city councillor who 'embodied the virtues that the Queen had'

Salford city mayor Paul Dennett has led tributes to former councillor Alice Smythe following her passing. He was speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the city council called in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Alice was a councillor from May 1992 until May 2011 and represented the Little Hulton ward. fter paying tribute to the Queen Mr Dennett went on: "I would also like us to pay our respects and remember former councillor Alice Smythe, who passed away recently.

"As well as representing her ward, she was also deputy lead member for the environment. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."

READ MORE:'My heart is broken', says mum of Manchester aid worker killed in Ukraine as British prisoners released by pro-Russia forces

Mr Dennett said the flag at Swinton Civic Centre, the headquarters of Salford council will continue to fly at half-mast as a "mark of respect to our much-loved former councillor".

Deputy city mayor Coun John Merry also said he wanted to pay tribute to former Coun Smythe who he worked with very closely on the council.

"Alice, in a very quiet way embodied the virtues that the Queen had," he said. "She batted for Salford in a very effective way."

Earlier Mr Dennett, along with other party leaders on the city council, added his voice to tributes to the late Queen who was laid to rest on Monday before a global TV audience of millions. He said: "On behalf of this council chamber and the people of Salford, I'd like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family who continue their period of mourning for, not only a monarch but a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

"Queen Elizabeth II was loved by many, was a respected statesperson regarded highly,