The Mayor of Lambeth, Cllr Mark Bennett, has died of a suspected heart attack, aged 43.
Lambeth council confirmed the news of his death, saying he passed away in hospital this morning (Tuesday).
His unexpected passing has left his town hall colleagues stunned and devastated.
Cllr Lib Peck, Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “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.
“Mark was a very talented individual who went above and beyond for the people of his ward, and for the whole community.
“He loved being mayor, welcoming people to the borough and supporting great causes, such as his support for The Trussell Trust, which runs food banks across Lambeth. He was well known for his passion for history often peppering his speeches with stories from the past.
“We will all miss him deeply.”
Cllr Bennett was a former Cabinet Office civil servant who served as an assistant to the Chief Press Secretary Alastair Campbell at Downing Street from 1997 to 2001 under Tony Blair.
He was a Labour councillor and Lambeth council cabinet member for more than six years before becoming mayor in March 2013. The openly gay councillor was a campaigner against hate crime, and took part in the 2013 London Gay pride Parade wearing his mayoral chains.
Details of Cllr Bennett’s funeral and memorial service will follow. A book of condolence for Cllr Bennett will be opened at Lambeth Town Hall.
Read more: Chuka Umunna plays tribute to ‘champion of social justice’
Leave your memories of Cllr Mark Bennett in the comments box below, or email us at newsdesk@brixtonblog.com
A tragic loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Mark once and he struck me as a likeable and compassionate person who cared about Lambeth. 43 is no age, it is absolutely shocking. Thoughts and wishes are with his family.
[…] https://brixtonblog.com/mayor-lambeth-cllr-mark-bennett-dies-heart-attack-aged-43/20081 […]
Mark Bennett. Great bloke and big supporter of community events in Brockwell Park. I have fond memories of him presiding over the annual tree dedication ceremony in the Park; and judging the hilarious 2013 Brockwell Dog Show – which involved drawing the raffle with Darth Vader! He also chaired the First World War commemorative committee; and took the time to visit our stall at the Lambeth Country Show for a lengthy chat and to offer his support to our volunteers.
I hope this year’s Country Show can pay tribute to Mark’s exemplary community work.
Matthew Allgood
Treasurer
Brockwell Park Community Partners
Registered charity no 1137168
I’m in total shock Of Marks passing he was a man I looked up too he was my cousin ,He always had time for a chat much respected and will be sorely missed