Stalwart Birmingham City Council activist and union campaigner dies after devastating illness
17:45, 31 Jul 2025Updated 18:11, 31 Jul 2025
Kerry Jenkins, Moseley city councillor and union activist, who has died
Much loved Moseley councillor, activist and mom-of-four Kerry Jenkins has died after a devastating short illness.
Her death has left family and friends distraught. Tributes to her were today led by council leader John Cotton, who described her as a ‘loyal and passionate friend and colleague’.
Her death comes less than a year after the loss of her husband Doug.
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Kerry was first elected to the council in 2014 and has served the Moseley community since. She was recently selected to stand in next year’s local council elections for the Labour party.
A passionate campaigner for young people and women’s rights, she battled plans to reduce youth and children’s services in the city and led on multiple campaigns to improve young lives.
In a statement on her personal Facebook page, her family announced that she had sadly passed away today, Thursday July 31, after a short illness. “She had been very poorly for the last couple of months and has been in hospital since early July. Despite many tests and treatments, she sadly did not get better.”
She died, aged 62, with her four children and close family at her bedside. “We loved her so very much and will miss her everyday.”
Kerry Jenkins, proud Labour councillor
Council leader Councillor John Cotton said today: “The awful news of Kerry’s death is absolutely heartbreaking and my thoughts are with her loved ones at this sad time.
“Kerry was a loyal and passionate friend and colleague and someone who cared deeply about helping and supporting others.
“She was a deeply principled champion for young people in Birmingham and worked tirelessly for the people of Moseley. She will be sorely missed.”
Birmingham Labour Group posted this message: “We are devastated to share the news of the sad death of our friend and colleague, Kerry Jenkins. Kerry was a tireless campaigner for social justice, a proud trade unionist, and a dedicated local councillor.
“Above all, she was a kind and loving friend who always saw the very best in people.
“Kerry always fought for what was right and used her voice to advocate for a brighter future for young people across Birmingham.
“She will be terribly missed by us all, and our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Kerry Jenkins on the campaign trail in Moseley
Kerry was chair of the council’s education, children and young people overview and scrutiny committee on the city council, a role which saw her take senior councillors and officers to task over proposed cuts to home-to-school transport, special educational needs services, and proposed reductions in youth work.
She memorably was a staunch defender of Anderton Park primary school when it came under attack over LGBT education in 2019 and helped set up community initiatives and foodbanks through Covid.
She carried out her councillor role alongside her work for Unite the union, supporting and campaigning for the community, youth and not-for-profit sector.
Dozens of tributes have already begun pouring in from fellow politicians, activists and friends, many responding with disbelief.
Deputy council leader Sharon Thompson added: “The city has lost one of its greatest advocates for young people, the local community and a proud activist. Her family have lost far greater…I hope they hold on to the wonderful memories they gifted each other.
“Kerry was never afraid to speak up on the things that mattered to her, never afraid to call out injustice…she was supportive to many in the community and also creative – her knitting was on point! We always talk about the need for strong women in politics – Kerry was one of the strongest.”
Colleague Majid Mahmood said of her: “Kerry was a wonderful person, and I had the privilege of working alongside her for many years…may she rest in peace, and may we carry forward her vision and values in all that we do.”
Kulbir Kaur Peacock said of her: “Kerry was a gorgeously fantastic woman….funny, empathetic, always helpful …….I am going to miss her and all the hard work and campaigning she did…we have lost a shining light.”
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