Cllr Mark Bennett is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Lambeth councillors are in shock today after the borough’s mayor died suddenly aged 43.
Cllr Mark Bennett passed away in hospital this morning after suffering a suspected heart attack.
Cllr Lib Peck, Leader of Lambeth Council, led the tributes to the Labour councillor who was first elected in October 2005 and represented the Streatham South ward.
“I am devastated to have lost someone who was not only a fantastic representative for the borough, but also a much loved and close personal friend,” she said.
“Mark was a very talented individual who went above and beyond for the people of his ward, and for the whole community.
“We will all miss him deeply.”
Before becoming mayor in Match 2013, Cllr Bennet was a Lambeth Council cabinet member for more than six years. He was an active campaigner against hate crime, and took part in the 2013 London Gay Pride parade wearing his mayoral chains.
MP for Streatham, Chuka Umunna, spoke of his devastation at the mayor’s death.
“I cannot believe that he has been taken from us and, at 43, at such a young age,” he wrote on his website.
“His passing is a huge loss for our community, which he had taken to his heart and loved so much.”
A book of condolence for Cllr Bennett will be opened at Lambeth Town Hall.
Photo courtesy of nklajn, with thanks.
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