Community leaders, community groups and individuals from across the political spectrum have been paying tribute to a former local councillor and Lord Mayor following his recent passing.
Randal Brew JP OBE was well known in and around the Northfield area, being a key political figure and community champion.
A ‘proud Brummie’ born and raised in Birmingham, Randal attended King Edward School and Kings Norton Grammar School for Boys.
Political and community service
Randal, a chartered accountant, served periods as a local Conservative councillor for over 30 years. He was first elected as Longbridge Councillor in 1987, a position he retained for 13 years. He later served as Councillor for Northfield between 2004 and 2018.
A Justice of the Peace, he served as a city magistrate for more than 20 years.
Throughout his life, Randal supported the local community in many ways, being a supporter of the Scout movement; a school governor, including Colmers School and West Heath Primary School; a member of the board or chairperson for a number of organisations, including Northfield BID.
In April this year, Randal was invited to be a patron of Edward’s Trust, a Birmingham charity providing support for bereaved parents, children and young people which he and his late wife Sandra had supported for many years.
Honours
In 1991, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded Randal an OBE for his public and political service.
Randal was selected to serve as Lord Mayor of Birmingham in 2007, a role he relished, alongside Sandra.
In 2015, Randal was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Birmingham City University.
He was made an honorary alderman of the city, a title bestowed upon former local councillors who have provided exceptional service to the council and the community.
Tributes
Politics aside, Randal was widely regarded as a true gentleman, a gentle giant and a community champion.
We at B31 Voices are honoured to have crossed paths with him and send our condolences to his family and friends.
The current Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr John Cotton (Labour) wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Randal Brew: a true gentleman and dedicated servant of our city who served with great distinction as Lord Mayor of Birmingham in 2007-08.
“We wore different rosettes, but I was very proud to call him a friend. He will be much missed by us all.”
Some of the tributes posted on social media:
I am sorry to learn of the death of former Longbridge and Northfield Councillor, Randal Brew.
He gave more than thirty years of service and was respected across political divides.
Rest in peace.
— Laurence Turner (@larry_turner) November 14, 2025