Residents from across Ealing gathered for a candlelight vigil outside Ealing Town Hall last night (18 February 2026) to remember Councillor Dr Aysha Raza on the eve of her funeral.
The vigil was organised by Councillor Ben Wesson and Councillor Dee Martin, who invited residents and those who knew Councillor Raza to attend and pay their respects following her sudden death on Sunday (15 February 2026).
Councillor Raza, a Labour councillor for Central Greenford, 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. Friends and colleagues have said her deep ties to the borough helped drive her commitment to local causes and community organisations.
Addressing those assembled, Councillor Ben Wesson said:
“Good evening everyone
“Thank you for being here.
“Tonight is simple. A simple gathering to remember our friend, Aysha, because we all share something in common – our shock, our grief and our love.
“Aysha was a true champion of everything Ealing. She never wasted a day. If there was something good to be done, a cause to stand up for, a community to bring together – Aysha was there.
“As a councillor, Aysha worked tirelessly for the causes she believed in: the Ealing Wildlife Group, Young Ealing Foundation, Stanhope Primary School, William Perkin High School, panto with the Holy Cross Players, the British Legion, Greenford Scouts, the Police Cadets – and so much more. And it’s so good to see friends from these groups and organisations here tonight.
“But what made Aysha so special wasn’t just what she did. It was how she did it. With warmth. With energy. With determination. And with a love for this community that no one could ever question.
“We’ve come together tonight because of the extraordinary outpouring of love we’ve seen since her passing. It speaks volumes. It shows just how many lives she touched and just how deeply she was loved.
“The Raza family have asked Dee Martin and I to pass on their heartfelt thanks to you all for your kindness, your messages and your support.
“If you would like to leave flowers, please do so here on the Town Hall steps. And please take a moment when you can to sign Aysha’s book of condolences at Perceval House.
“Aysha, you were a shining light for us all. You lit up our lives.
“And as we stand together now, we take this moment to remember you, to celebrate you and to honour you.
“This is the light we will carry with us – in our work, in our friendships, in our community – as we always remember you.
“We will now reflect on our own memories of Aysha by marking her passing with a minute’s silence.”
“Those gathered then observed a minute’s silence before many went on to Perceval House to sign the book of condolences.
Funeral arrangements have been confirmed for today, Thursday 19 February 2026. Her funeral prayer (Janaza) will take place at Harrow Mosque, 34 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ, with attendees asked to arrive between 12.45pm and 1.00pm to allow time for parking and for Zuhr and Janaza prayers. Residents and colleagues “of all faiths and none” are welcome to attend the funeral prayers at the mosque.
In line with Islamic tradition, Muslim men are invited to join the family for the burial, which will take place at Greenford Cemetery, Windmill Lane, Greenford, UB6 9DR. The burial will take place at 2.30pm prompt.
A book of condolence remains open at Perceval House, Ealing Council’s headquarters, where residents can sign it between 9am and 7pm daily.
Ealing Council has also confirmed it will hold a memorial for Councillor Raza after Ramadan finishes in mid-March.
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