A community vigil will take place at 7pm tonight (18 February 2026) outside Ealing Town Hall in memory of Councillor Dr Aysha Raza, who died suddenly on Sunday night.
It has been organised by Councillor Ben Wesson and Councillor Dee Martin, who have invited residents and those who knew Councillor Raza to attend and pay their respects.
Councillor Raza was a Labour councillor for Central Greenford and was first elected in 2014. Between 2021 and 2023 she served as cabinet member for tackling crime and inequality, becoming Ealing Council’s first Muslim woman cabinet member.
She grew up in Greenford and attended Oldfield and Coston Primary schools, a local connection that friends said shaped her commitment to the area.
Councillor Wesson paid tribute, saying: “Ealing has lost a shining light in my dear friend Cllr Dr Aysha Raza. She was my chosen family, compassionate and fiercely loyal. From garden centre trips to pizza nights, she made ordinary moments extraordinary. I’ll carry her spirit with me always. I’ll miss her beyond words.”
Others also paying tribute to Councillor Raza included James Murray, the MP for Ealing North, who said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and colleague in Ealing North, Dr Aysha Raza.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “There are no words to fully express my shock and deep sadness at the sudden passing of Dr Aysha Raza, respected neuroscientist and passionate defender of the NHS, a tireless campaigner for equality, and Ealing Council’s first ever Muslim woman Cabinet Member.”
He added: “Aysha was a dear and loyal friend who worked relentlessly. Her commitment to fairness and compassion was unwavering, and her impact will be felt for years to come.”
Ealing Council leader Councillor Peter Mason said: “Aysha was a diligent and steadfast campaigner who worked tirelessly for her community in Greenford.”
As well as being a trustee of the Young Ealing Foundation, Councillor Raza was active in a number of community organisations across the borough, including The Ealing Wildlife Group, The Holy Cross Players and The Royal British Legion. She served as a governor at Stanhope Primary School and William Perkin High School.
A book of condolence has been opened at Perceval House, Ealing Council’s headquarters, where residents can sign it between 9am and 7pm daily.
 outside Ealing Town Hall in memory of Councillor Dr Aysha Raza, who died suddenly on Sunday night.){kind=link}