A FORMER Keighley MP has paid tribute following the death of district councillor Ian Greenwood.

Kris Hopkins, who was the town's Member of Parliament from 2010 until last year, said he was "shocked" at the news.

"He has been taken far too soon," said Mr Hopkins.

Bradford Council announced the death of Cllr Greenwood this morning.

In a career in local politics spanning four decades, he was twice leader of the council.

He represented Little Horton ward from 1995 to 2012 and returned to the council this year to represent Bolton and Undercliffe. He had previously served as a county councillor on West Yorkshire County Council.

Mr Hopkins, himself a former Bradford Council leader, added: "Anyone who met Ian was quickly made aware of his passion for Bradford.

"He loved the district and its people and wanted the very best for them.

"Ian’s reputation and sphere of influence also stretched far beyond Bradford and West Yorkshire.

"We had our political differences but I never doubted his motivation in fighting for what he believed in.

"He was one of Bradford’s finest public servants.

"I offer my sincere sympathies to the many people who will be grieving. It is a very sad day."

Tribute is also paid by current council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe.

"This is an enormous loss to Bradford district," she said.

"For a generation, Ian was possibly the most recognisable and certainly one of the most influential figures in Bradford politics.

"He was immensely proud to be able to serve the people of his home city which he loved dearly and he wore his passion for the place and its people like a badge of honour.

"Ian was a pragmatic, big tent politician motivated by an overwhelming desire to bring people together to do the right thing for Bradford. His leadership transcended cultural, community and political party boundaries and his legacy and impact will be long lasting."

The council's chief executive, Kersten England, said: "Many, many people have worked with Ian over the years and will be sharing a huge sense of loss today. Ian worked tirelessly on behalf of Bradford bringing a unique and irreplaceable wealth of experience, wisdom and insight to his work."