Brondesbury Park’s longest serving and “most loved” councillor Carol Shaw has died aged 68.

She died peacefully in her sleep last night following a bravely fought illness.

The “unique” councillor represented both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties during her 28 years serving Brent.

Former Conservative leader and friend John Warren said: “She was a one-off, a fantastic councillor who got results and residents loved her.

“There aren’t many other councillors past, present and future who have the same level of loyalty from residents that she had.

“Her forte was local issues. She worked so hard for residents and they just adored her. She was unique.”

Ms Shaw was elected in 1990 and served as a Conservative councillor for Cricklewood until the boundaries changed in 2002.

In 2003 she switched sides, winning her seat in Brondesbury Park for the Liberal Democrats only to rejoin the Conservatives just before the 2014 elections.

She suffered a stroke while on holiday in Spain in December last year.

Just before the May elections Brent’s chief executive Carolyn Downs became aware of rumours that Ms Shaw – who was standing as a candidate but ultimately lost her seat to Labour – was dead. Ms Downs was forced to issue a stern warning to election candidates that circulating false statements about a candidate is illegal.

Mr Warren added: “It was terrible. She was unwell. We were hoping for some kind of recovery but it wasn’t to be.

“It’s very sad, it’s the end of an era.”

Former Brondesbury Park councillor Joel Davidson said: “It’s very sad news. She was a doughty campaigner and I learnt a lot from her.

“When I first got in in 2014 I campaigned with her to win the ward and it was a great experience.

“Her years of service were a link to a bygone era of councillors, completely connected to the community. Whether it was to fix potholes or pavements she absolutely worked from the ground up. Her case work was literally the only thing she cared about.”

Carys Ampofo, who lives locally, said: “Carol Shaw dedicated her professional life to representing the interests of her constituents with energy and tenacity; there are many politicians at all levels in the UK who would do well to take a leaf out of her book. RIP Carol, you are much missed.”

Lucy Blakstad added: “I will remember Carol with huge fondness. When I had local issues from schools to planning issues - when no one else was prepared to help, Carol stepped in and worked tirelessly to get the right people to listen and to get results.

“Councils are so bureaucratic but Carol was the complete exception to the rule.

“She was passionate, efficient, and she genuinely cared. I was very sad to hear the news and hope that all the councillors of all parties really learn from the way Carol threw all her energies behind all local issues that matter to people.”

Reg Colwill, Conservative leader, added: “This is sad news. We send our sympathies to her family and loved ones.

“She made a significant contribution to the borough as a councillor for over 25 years”.

The mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood (Lab) said in a statement: “Carol was a passionate and dedicated councillor.

“Our thoughts are with her family and former colleagues.”

A minute’s silence will be observed at the next full council meeting on November 26.

If you’d like to leave a tribute to Ms Shaw for the Kilburn Times, call Nathalie Raffray on 020 7433 0134 or email nathalie.raffray@archant.co.uk.