Gillian Arrindell, who ‘always spoke about living in a world that prioritised its most vulnerable’

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TRIBUTES were paid this week to a councillor who stood up for the disabled and homeless and championed air quality and better housing after she died “as the clock struck midnight”.

Gillian Arrindell, who passed away after a second stroke last Thursday, was part of the new wave of Labour councillors who swept the Conservatives out of power for the first time in the historic May 2022 election win.

A long time resident of Pimlico, she had also stood for the same ward in 2018 and had for many years been a popular face in the Westminster Labour group. She served as the council’s air quality and disability champion while representing Vincent Square ward, and had been an outspoken critic of Israel’s attacks on Palestine in the year of her death.

At a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Churchill estate she was remembered fondly by Cllr Liza Begum. Her speech, posted online, said: “Gillian was a loyal friend and a fierce advocate for the community especially for the most vulnerable.

“We spoke every day, about life, about politics and the changes we wanted to see in the world, Gillian always spoke about living in a world that prioritised its most vulnerable and she supported so many people in Westminster as well as brilliant charities like the Pimlico Angels.

“I know we will ensure that her good work carries on and that we continue to support the people that Gillian supported.

“Gillian was my biggest supporter and also a critical friend. She never held back – for all those that knew her – you know she always spoke her mind and told me about myself when she had to. Gillian was so authentic, so unwavering in her advocacy for those around her and so compassionate. It’s rare to see people with such qualities these days.

“We were so blessed to have Gillian in our lives, Gillian will be missed by her colleagues, her friends and her residents and Pimlico will never be the same without her.”

She said she had spent the day looking through old photos of her friends and “laughing because each picture had a story”.

The chair of Tachbrook Residents’ Association Nilton Rodrigues posted: “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.”

A photo of Gillian and her family – Mark, Steve, and Carl Arrindell – is held in the National Portrait Gallery collection, and is sold as a greeting card from its shop. Her brother Carl was a former Sky News press preview presenter and is now head of news on the Islam Channel.

In a post he said: “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.”

Murad Qureshi, a friend of Gillian and her family, told Extra: “Gillian was as authentic as they come, so unwavering in her advocacy for those around her and so compassionate. Gillian will be missed by her colleagues, her friends and sorely missed by the residents of Pimlico. May she rest in peace.”

Westminster Labour said: “It is with great sadness that Westminster Labour marks the passing of Cllr Gillian Arrindell, who died after recent illness. Gillian was a champion for her community and the causes she was passionate about. She fought for housing justice and to support rough sleepers, she worked tirelessly to improve conditions for people with disabilities and to draw attention to the problems caused by poor air quality. Through her diligent casework she helped countless people and families with their problems.”

A council statement added: “Cllr 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… we send our condolences to Cllr Arrindell’s friends and family.”