‘A sobering evening’: Milton Keynes councillors come together to pay tribute to Shanika Mahendran
Milton Keynes councillors came together to pay tribute to Shanika Mahendran, who died aged 28 following a short and sudden illness, at a special meeting held on July 14.
Milton Keynes Labour Party described the meeting as ‘a deeply sobering evening’ as representatives of all political parties came together to remember Shanika’s contribution to the city.
During the meeting, it was announced that a book of condolence was available in the council chamber for members to leave messages and tributes.
Mayor Paul Trendall opened the tributes saying: “Shanika was clever, hard-working and passionate about what she did for the city.
“She was feisty, a loyal ally and a formidable opponent, and she was very funny and charmingly mischievous.
“I have no doubt that she would have risen to the top of the political career, but I think she would have risen to the top of any career path she had chosen to follow.
“The city will be poorer for her passing.”
Leader of the Labour Group Lauren Townsend was visibly emotional as she spoke, describing Shanika as “a cabinet member of exceptional talent” and said her passing was “a profound loss for the entirety of Milton Keynes.”
Council leader Jane Carr spoke of Shanika’s “spirit and determination” and shared an adapted version of the poem He Is Gone by David Harkins.
An extract of the poem is as follows:
‘You can shed tears that she is gone ‘Or you can smile because she has lived You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back ‘Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left’
The meeting concluded with a period of silent reflection.
Shanika’s wish in lieu of gifts and flowers was for donations to be made to the Milton Keynes Food Bank.
To honour this, a Local Giving fundraising page has been created, and has raised £1,700 at the time of writing.
Shanika, who served as the authority’s cabinet member for planning and placemaking from February 2025 until her death on July 1.
Shanika, who was born and raised in Milton Keynes, was first elected as a councillor for the Loughton and Shenley ward in 2022.
The following year she became the first Asian woman and youngest ever councillor to join the city’s cabinet.
Shanika, who was elected to the New Bradwell ward during the city council’s elections in May, also had spells as the city council’s cabinet member for economy, sustainability and innovation, and as chair of the council’s planning committee.
Shanika was nominated as Young Councillor of the Year in 2025 and earlier this year was named as one of Planner Magazine’s Women of Influence 2026.