Haringey councillor and trade unionist Julie Davies dies aged 67

Labour member described as “kind and compassionate person” after passing away following short illness

A Labour councillor and cabinet member has died following a short illness, Haringey Council has confirmed.

Julie Davies had served as cabinet member for communities and civic life since May 2022 and as a councillor since May 2018, for St Ann’s ward between 2018 and 2022 and for Hermitage and Gardens ward since last year’s election.

Cllr Davies had lived, worked and campaigned in Haringey since 1983. Before being elected to the council in 2018, she worked as an English teacher in Haringey schools, where she also served as branch secretary for the National Union of Teachers. Her passion for improving outcomes for young people inspired Cllr Davies to serve as a school governor for five different Haringey schools. In her cabinet role, she led on parks, leisure, culture, libraries, local food policy and active citizenship.

Council leader Peray Ahmet paid tribute to her and said: “I am deeply saddened by this news. My thoughts, and those of my colleagues, are with Julie’s family and we all want to offer them our sincerest condolences.

“Julie was a hugely knowledgeable, experienced, and effective trade unionist, cabinet member, and advocate for children. But before and above all of that she was a warm, kind, and compassionate person, and a close friend to me and to so many of us in Haringey.

“We are all in profound shock that she’s gone, and will miss her companionship, her acerbic sense of humour, and the immense decency she displayed to everyone whose lives she touched.

“She was truly an unstoppable force, and she will be so deeply missed.”

Tottenham MP David Lammy also paid tribute on Twitter. He said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of councillor and trade unionist Julie Davies, a great friend who fought passionately for our community, young people and teachers in Haringey. She will leave a hole in all our hearts and we send love and condolences to her two boys Harry and Ted.”

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