Tributes have been paid after the sudden death of Councillor Dr Aysha Raza, who represented Central Greenford and was described by colleagues as a tireless campaigner for residents and public services.
James Murray, the MP for Ealing North, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and colleague in Ealing North, Dr Aysha Raza.”
Labour Councillor Raza, who was also a trustee of the Young Ealing Foundation, was first elected in 2014 and served the ward for more than a decade. She grew up in Greenford and attended Oldfield and Coston Primary schools, a local connection that friends said shaped her commitment to the area.
Mr Murray said Councillor Raza worked “tirelessly” for the community, helping residents with problems, supporting local groups and joining events including “the Holy Cross pantomime at the British Legion”.
He also said she backed the reintroduction of beavers at Horsenden Hill. Mr Murray added that she brought “energy and compassion” to her role and was “always ready to help out colleagues, right across Ealing”. He added: “Just last weekend we were out together in Northolt West End, knocking on doors for her council colleagues there.”
Dr Rupa Huq, the MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said: “Shocked and heartbroken” at the news, adding she had known Councillor Raza since going to Notting Hill and Ealing High school.
Dr Huq added: “I was at school with her at Notting Hill girls. Our two mums knew each other, walking to work at BT Westel House and the Ealing telephone exchange respectively together. I regularly was at Raza family Christmas, as recently as this Boxing day and saw her/ was messaging her since very recently so am devastated at this news, occurring in her prime.
We worked together on numerous campaigns as well her valued friendship. Her sense of humour, sense of justice and fundamental decency will be missed immeasurably. Rest well my friend.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan paid tribute to Councillor Raza. He 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, not only for her beloved community in Ealing, where she served as a councillor for over a decade, but for social justice everywhere. Her commitment to fairness and compassion was unwavering, and her impact will be felt for years to come.”
Deidre Costigan, the MP for Ealing Southall, posting on X said: “Deeply saddened by the sudden death of Cllr Dr Aysha Raza, a tireless campaigner for equality, the NHS and Ealing Council’s first ever Muslim woman Cabinet Member.”
Ms Costigan added: “She was dedicated to Labour & to serving the local community in Greenford & across Ealing.”
Posting his tribute to Councillor Aysha, Ealing and Hillingdon London Assembly Member Bassam Mahfouz wrote: “To lose Aysha so prematurely is heartbreaking. Aysha was a passionate campaigner for our health service and planet. Though she was taken from us far too soon, her light shines eternally through all those who knew her in Ealing, London and beyond.”
Councillor Miriam Rice who represents Northolt Mandeville ward said: “Devastated we have lost Aysha. Cllr Raza was at the centre of our community, supporting those in need, whilst also promoting nature. You had to hear her talk about the beavers she helped to introduce to Greenford. And our Ealing Co-op vice chair too, so many will miss her.”
Leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats, Councillor Gary Malcolm said: “When I heard the news of Councillor Aysha Raza’s passing it was a total shock. She was liked by Councillors from all political parties and was such a community person. The residents of Central Greenford will miss her warm spirit and the campaigns she worked on, many relating to the NHS and the environment. My condolences go out to her family, friends and many residents who had met her. She will be deeply missed.”
Ealing Council leader Councillor Peter Mason said: “The news of Councillor Aysha Raza’s passing last night is incredibly saddening and our hearts go out to her family who are grieving her loss.”
He added: “Aysha was a diligent and steadfast campaigner who worked tirelessly for her community in Greenford. She will be remembered for the energy and enthusiasm she brought to campaigns not only our borough but beyond. She will be deeply missed by her Labour Group colleagues and across Ealing.”
Local groups and organisations paid tribute to Councillor Raza. In a posting on X, Brent River & Canal Society said: “This is such sad news. Councillor Dr Aysha Raza was a great supporter of Brent River Park posts and deeply involved with wildlife issues in #Ealing appearing recently in Sir David Attenborough’s Wild London releasing harvest mice.”
LAGER Can, which Councillor Raza supported said: “This is tragic news about one of LAGER Can’s supporters. Rest in Peace.”
