Cllr Zaffar, who grew up in Lozells, served as a councillor since 2011 and occupied various key positions in Birmingham City Council – including cabinet lead for transport, environment, clean air, climate change, highways, equalities, social justice, community safety.

His community work was recognised by several awards including an MBE for services to the voluntary sector.

Paying tribute on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, immediate past president Nasir Awan said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Councillor Waseem Zaffar.

“He was a dedicated and compassionate public servant, widely known for his engaging nature and his unwavering passion for the city of Birmingham, particularly for the residents of his Lozells constituency.

“Councillor Zaffar served his community with energy, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

“His loss will be felt deeply by colleagues, constituents, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“All of us at the Chamber extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we pray they are granted strength and patience to bear this great loss.”

Council leader John Cotton said on Friday: “It is so incredibly hard to put into words how I and so many of my colleagues across Birmingham City Council feel tonight.

“Waseem Zaffar was a passionate advocate of his community, a father, a husband, a young man with so much more to give to the city he was so proud to call home.

“Tonight, we remember a life lost too soon, and a family that has suffered the most terrible and shocking of losses.

“My thoughts and prayers are with them all tonight and in the days to come.”

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker said in a LinkedIn Post: “I’m heartbroken this morning to hear about the loss of my friend and colleague Cllr Waseem Zaffar.

“He was a tireless advocate for his community and a genuinely good man. My thoughts are with his family and especially his wife and his young children.”