cabinet today held a minute silence in memory of former Lord Mayor Michael Wilkes who died on Friday.
And colleagues have paid tribute to Liberal Democrat Michael Wilkes who spent 20 years as a city councillor for Hall Green, serving in two spells from 1984 to 1992 and 2000 to 2012.
He died from cancer, aged 73.
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The highlight of his political career was serving as Lord Mayor of Birmingham in 2009-10, but before that he had been an effective chairman of the council's scrutiny section - during which time he led influential and often critical inquiries into the Library of Birmingham, the highways contract and mobile phone masts.
He was also a passionate campaigner against Birmingham having an elected mayor during the 2012 referendum.
A professor of economics with the University of Birmingham, he fought to bring back the Bank of Birmingham while he and wife Vivienne were recognised as leading experts on Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkein.
Political colleagues and rivals have spoken of his wisdom and the high esteem in which he was held.
Lib Dem group leader Paul Tilsley said: "Michael was a long-term member of the council and a very vocal member of the Lib Dem group.
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"His wise advice was always respected. Our thoughts go out to Vivienne and his family at this time."
Coun Tilsley narrowly beat Mr Wilkes by a single vote in a Lib Dem leadership election ten years ago.
Labour council leader Sir Albert Bore said he had friends across the party political divide.
"He was well respected by members across the council. The work he did on scrutiny clearly showed the commitment he had," Sir Albert said.
"His term as Lord Mayor was a success, not just for himself. The council as a whole gained from the way in which he went about meeting the public, residents and businesses of this city.
"We will express our condolences to his family and pay full tribute at a future council meeting."
Labour cabinet member for health John Cotton tweeted: "He was a good man, thoughtful, fair minded and passionate about Birmingham."
His rivals in the Hall Green Labour Party described him as "a real champion for his community".