Council Mourns The Death Of Former Mayor Of Merton

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Sheila Knight was a Councillor for more than 40 years

Merton Council is mourning the death of former long-serving councillor, Mayor of Merton and Honorary Alderwoman, Sheila Knight, who passed away on October 20 at the age of 80.

She was a Labour councillor from 1964-1968 before returning in 1971 until her retirement in May 2010. She represented Colliers Wood, Mitcham North and Mitcham South wards.

During her time at the council, Sheila served on many committees over the years, including as chair of Education Services Committee and the Health and Community Care Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel. She was Mayor in 1997-98 and became an Honorary Alderwoman in May 2010.

Outside of council duties, Sheila was a social worker and a leading voice in setting up Merton Mind, of which she was director for 25 years. She was a fierce supporter of CND, active in the co-op movement and a long-standing pacifist.

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “It is with great sadness that I heard about Sheila’s death. She dedicated much of her life to public service and was a formidable force in the council chamber, representing her constituents and always standing up for a fairer society. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”

Funeral arrangements will be published in due course.

October 26, 2017