West country politicians react to the death of Her Majesty the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II passed away this afternoon aged 96
Last updated 8th Sep 2022
Politicians from Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas are among people around the world paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, after her death at the age of 96.
Buckingham Palace announced her passing early this evening (September 8), saying she died "peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon".
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will remain at Balmoral tonight before returning to London on Friday.
Politicians from our area have been paying their respects, including the West of England Mayor Dan Norris, who represents Labour.
"This is an immensely sad day," he said in a statement.
"Her Majesty The Queen has been a constant presence during all of our lives and during so many periods of immense change, not just in the West of England and the UK but across the globe.
"She has been an exemplar who always put service first."
Mr Norris called it "almost unimaginable" that Her Majesty is no longer with us.
"As so many across the country mourn this huge loss, I send my deepest sympathies and those of residents of the West of England, to the King, the Queen Consort and everyone who loved this most remarkable woman.”
In a post on Twitter, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees declared City Hall has been lit up, with its flags flying at half mast in remembrance.
"My thoughts and those of people across Bristol are with His Majesty The King, his children, and the wider Royal Family," he said.
"This year's Platinum Jubilee celebrated Her Majesty The Queen’s unprecedented service."
Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy, a Liberal Democrat, has also paid his respects.
"This is a moment of immense sadness for the whole country," he said.
"Above all, our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Royal Family at this time."
Liberal Democrat MP for Bath Wera Hobhouse said she is "saddened" by the Queen's death, calling her the only monarch most of us have ever known.
"She was much loved by people in Bath and across the UK," she said.
"My thoughts are with her family at such a difficult time."
Several Labour MPs have merely shared the statement put out by party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who called Her Majesty a "remarkable sovereign".
"It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time," he said.
"The nation shares in their grief.
"We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II's life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest serving and greatest monarch."
Other of our MPs are yet to comment.
More follows.