Tributes flow for ‘passionate campaigner’ at Westminster

By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter

Westminster City councillor Gillian Arrindell has passed away, the local authority has has confirmed.

Council leader Adam Hug led tributes for the member for the Vincent Square ward on X, calling her a passionate campaigner with a ‘wicked sense of humour’.

In a statement, Cllr Hug wrote: “Councillor Gillian Arrindell was known and respected as a local activist who helped people with issues ranging from housing and welfare to domestic violence and had shown herself committed to the residents of Vincent Square ward since her election in 2022.

“Cllr Arrindell also made a real contribution to the City as Lead Member for Air Quality and as Disability Champion. On behalf of the council, we send our condolences to Cllr Arrindell’s friends and family.”

Fellow cabinet member, Cllr Liza Begum said Westminster City had lost an ‘amazing’ councillor and community advocate. Sharing a number of photos of her and Cllr Arrindell together, she wrote: “Gillian will be missed by her colleagues, her friends and her residents. Rest in Power Gillian – my beautiful friend.”

Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, deputy leader of Westminster City council, wrote: “Really very sad to learn that my colleague and friend Cllr Gillian Arrindell has died. It was much too soon and she had so much still to offer.”

Head of the Tachbrook Residents Association, Nilton Rodrigues, wrote: “A selfless campaigner who always stood by her principles and tirelessly served her constituents. Her dedication, from weekly surgeries to standing up for what’s right, was inspiring. I’ll miss you deeply. Rest easy, Gillian.”

Carl Arrindell, Cllr Arrindell’s brother, confirmed her death earlier today on X. He shared a photo of the councillor sat with family and friends around a table, writing: “My sister Gillian Arrindell has heaved her last breath. She finally gave up the fight tonight as the clock struck midnight. We will try to think of her in better days.”

According to a post by Carl on Monday, Cllr Arrindell had been moved to end-of-life care after suffering a second stroke over the weekend.

Cllr Arrindell was elected as Labour’s first councillor for Vincent Square ward in 2022. She also sat on the Housing and Regeneration Police and Scrutiny Committee and the Inner West London Mental Health Services Committee.

Pictured top: Gillian Arrindell (Picture: WCC)