Tributes paid to a 'force for change' councillor

Tributes have been paid to a "force for change" Labour councillor after her "utterly devastating" death at the age of 28, following a brief illness.

Shanika Mahendran represented the New Bradwell ward on Milton Keynes City Council and was a cabinet member for planning and placemaking.

Born and raised in the city, she was first elected in 2022, aged 24 and was the first Asian woman to hold a cabinet post in the authority.

Lauren Townsend, its Labour leader, said: "We are completely heartbroken at the loss of such a talented young woman, and she will be missed so deeply by so many."

Flags at Milton Keynes City Council are flying at half-mast as a sign of respect, the council said.

She was first elected as a councillor representing the Loughton and Shenley ward.

In November 2022 she was elected chair of the planning committee and joined the cabinet in 2023.

Townsend said: "We are determined to carry on her amazing work, making the city she truly loved an even better place."

The council's Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Carr, said she "devoted her skills and energy to making our city a better place to live".

"Our thoughts and deep condolences go to her loved ones, and to all who will remember and miss her."

The city's Labour group said the "speed of her illness and passing has been a profound shock to us, and will be to everyone".

"Throughout her brief illness, Shanika showed immense bravery, a trait that defined both her life and her work."

"Shanika was a force for change, being nominated for Young Councillor of the Year in 2025, and was recognised earlier this year as one of Planner Magazine's Women of Influence 2026.

"She was a true champion of Milton Keynes."

It said she was responsible for taking forward the MK City Plan for 2050, initiated the Midsummer Festival and was a leading advocate of the UK City of Culture bid.

Chris Curtis, Labour MP for Milton Keynes North said: "Her compassion, bravery and drive helped shape the future of Milton Keynes, and that legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come."

Callum Anderson, Labour MP for Buckingham and Bletchley said: "In a short space of time, Shanika made a lasting and positive difference to our city and to many individual lives.

"She brought energy, wisdom, loyalty and friendship to our movement."

Emily Darlington, Labour MP for Milton Keynes Central said she "loved Milton Keynes and worked tirelessly to promote it".

"We have lost a true light of MK far too soon."

Speaking to the BBC last year, Mahendran said: "I have grown up with Milton Keynes and it's been amazing to see how much it's grown and developed and my favourite things are just how diverse we are."

She also said she was excited that Universal United Kingdom Resort was set to open just a few miles away from Milton Keynes.

"The economic benefit for us will be huge, it's going to be a visitor attraction on a scale we haven't seen before in the UK so it's a really really exciting opportunity and we're working really hard to ensure that we see the benefits of that."

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