A memorial bench has been unveiled in memory of the late Alderwoman Paddy Bradley.

The memorial bench in Muchall Park, Penn, was unveiled on Wednesday (27 Aug) during a private ceremony with family members, friends and former colleagues to honour her contributions to the city.

Councillor Bradley was first elected as the Penn ward representative in 1972 and went on to serve her constituents for almost 40 years while holding a number of important roles, including Leader of the Conservative Group and Deputy Mayor.

In 2012, Councillor Bradley was honoured with the title of Honorary Alderwoman, acknowledging her long-standing contributions and commitment. She passed away aged 85 in June 2022.

Mayor of Wolverhampton, Cllr Craig Collingswood, said: “It was fitting we were in the heart of Paddy’s beloved Penn Ward to unveil this memorial bench, a place she served with distinction as a councillor for almost 40 years and the place she also called home.

“Paddy was one of those people who once you met her, you never forgot her. A strong personality who was never afraid to speak her mind, Paddy was a councillor of the old school who put the people of the city before all else.

“She had been an Honorary Alderwoman, Deputy Mayor, leader of the Conservative Group and a cabinet member amongst other roles. It is only right that someone with such distinguished service is remembered in this way.”

Tracey Smith, Paddy’s daughter added: “She would have been proud and probably very humbled by this, but she never blew her own trumpet. People still remember her name now even though she stopped being a councillor 13 years ago. The world is definitely a duller place without her in it.

“This location in the park is the perfect place for the bench; somewhere you can come and sit and relax and think about her. Me and my sister, Maxine, will definitely come down here often and bring the dog.”

Cllr Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “We used to lock horns at council scrutiny meetings, but the great thing about Paddy was that we’d always have a cup of tea afterwards and party politics stopped at the door when we left.

“She always put Penn and the city first: Paddy was a real great of Wolverhampton politics, a big hitter and it is fitting that we recognise the commitment and the work and effort she put in over the years. She was a good old sort as we’d say in Bilston.”