A minute’s silence was held by councillors attending the Outer West Community Committee last night (Monday).
Keith Wakefield died in St Gemma’s Hospice in the early hours of Saturday after short illness, aged 78.
He was a councillor for Barwick and Kippax ward from 1988 to 2004 and then the Kippax and Methley ward from 2004 to 2019, and had two spells as leader of Leeds City Council from 2010-2015 and 2003-2004.
Chair of the Outer West Community Committee, Councillor Adrian McCluskey (Lab, Farsley & Wortley) started yesterday’s meeting by asking all councillors for a minute’s silence to pay tribute to Mr Wakefield.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, and Ed Whiting, the council’s chief executive, today issued a statement. they said: “Across decades of public service, Keith made an enormous contribution to Leeds and was a passionate advocate for the city and its communities.
“Many people across Leeds and beyond will remember his not only for his leadership and commitment to public service, but also for his kindness, generosity and sense of humour.
“We know that this news will be felt by many colleagues and partners who had the privilege of working with Keith. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this sad time.”
Cllr McCluskey also thanked former Calverley & Farsley councillor Peter Carlill for his work over the years. Mr Carlill resigned last month due to ill health after being elected in 2018. “His efforts will be greatly missed,” Cllr McCluskey added.
The committee, which met at the Atlanta Street Sheltered Housing Complex Community Centre in Bramley, is made up of councillors from Bramley & Stanningley, Calverley & Farsley, Farnley & Wortley and Pudsey wards.
A by-election will be held in the Calverley and Farsley ward on Thursday, 22 October 2026.