Obituary - Councillor Antony Lillis
Tuesday August 4, 2009
Antony Lillis, one of the borough’s longest-serving and most widely respected councillors, passed away on Wednesday 29 July after a battle with cancer. He was 42.
Antony was one of the most well-loved figures in local politics with strong ties to the community he served over many years.
He was born and brought up in Fulham and lived all his life in the borough. He attended Langford Primary School in Sands End and then Henry Compton Secondary School.
His contribution to the area he loved so much began in 1990 when, at the unusually young age of 22, he was elected as a local councillor for Colehill ward. He proved a popular figure from the start and continued to be re-elected at every poll over the next 20 years.
Between 1991 and 2006 he was the opposition spokesman for education and social care. In May of 2006 he was appointed as the cabinet member for community services and then a year later he took on the additional responsibility of children's services and the voluntary sector. He was also the lead member on the integration of the council with the primary care trust and also on the Olympics.
Over the past few years, he has driven through a new vision for education which has lead to rapidly improving standards and more places for local children in local schools. He has been a tireless advocate of the most vulnerable in society and has used his position to champion the voluntary sector. He revolutionised the grants system, opening up funding to many new groups and introducing a transparent and fair application procedure based on real benefits for residents.
His drive and commitment meant that he was able to build up an unrivalled connection with the people and the places he served. Over recent months he had visited every one of the 52 schools in the borough and countless voluntary organisations.
He managed a hugely complex and challenging portfolio of service responsibilities. He combined a depth of knowledge and expertise in his subject areas with charm and huge personal warmth.
In the Council Chamber, Antony’s was a voice of calm and conciliation. His genuine interest in individual people’s lives and concerns enabled him to achieve a level of respect few politicians are given.
Outside his role as a councillor, Antony was a larger-than-life character who lived every day to the full. His fellow regulars at the Salutation pub across the road from the town hall will remember his legendary tales and his humour.
He will be hugely missed.
A book of condolence can be signed in the foyer of Hammersmith Town Hall and Fulham Town Hall.
