Hertsmere Borough Council has been informed of the death of Councillor Shailain Shah who passed away on Wednesday, 22 April.
Councillor Shah, a long term resident of Bushey and member of the Liberal Democrat Party, served as a borough councillor for Bushey Park from 2023. During his time on the council, he was Chair of the Audit Committee and Chair of the Hertsmere Shareholder and Investment Committee.
His professional background as a financial adviser informed his work on financial oversight, including through the Finance Monitoring Panel and the Budget Panel.
Sajida Bijle, Chief Executive of Hertsmere Borough Council said:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Councillor Shah - he was a well-liked and well-respected member of the council. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the council said:
“Councillor Shailain Shah will be remembered as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to his community left a lasting mark. Known for his integrity, warmth, and tireless work on behalf of residents, he approached public life with a strong sense of duty and compassion. Throughout his time in office, he championed local initiatives, supported community cohesion, and worked collaboratively across political lines to deliver meaningful outcomes. Shalain once told me that being elected as a councillor was the ‘realisation of a lifelong ambition’. Beyond his civic role, he was valued as a colleague and friend, admired for his kindness, humility, and steady leadership. His passing is a profound loss to all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him, and his legacy of service will continue to inspire.”
Cllr Chris Shenton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said:
“I am deeply saddened at the untimely death of my friend and colleague Cllr Shailain Shah. Shai was a lifelong Liberal Democrat and an excellent local councillor in Bushey Park since 2023. He ran Bushey based companies in Financial Services for over 30 years and brought that expertise to his work on the council serving as chair of the Audit committee and the Hertsmere Shareholders and Investments committee. To have someone of his experience and shrewd financial judgement is invaluable in holding the executive to account and protecting the financial interests of the residents. Shai was one of the genuinely nicest people I know. He always looked for the good in people and was scrupulously fair at all times. I will miss having a coffee with him and listening to his wise counsel. “
Cllr Lynette Sullivan, Leader of Hertsmere Conservative Group said:
“My group are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our colleague, Cllr Shailain Shah. He was a modest and humble man, whose presence in the Council Chamber was always felt in the most constructive way. He had a quiet strength that helped keep us grounded. It was a privilege to have worked alongside him.”
Cllr Caroline Clapper, Leader, Reform UK Hertsmere said :
“Our Reform UK Group were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Councillor Shailain Shah. He was a lovely man, a true gentleman, and someone who always treated others with kindness, warmth and respect. Shailain served his community with dedication and carried out his public duties with quiet dignity and sincerity. He will be greatly missed by all of us, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”
Cllr Marc Amron, Leader of the Hertsmere First Group, said:
“Deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of my friend Shailain. I knew him before we became councillors and we shared a similar humour and weirdly, musical tastes. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him as one of life’s truly good people. He had a calm demeanour and was kind and thoughtful. When he spoke in the Council Chamber, people listened. Shailain was respected by all in the chamber regardless of political allegiances. I am grateful I had a coffee with him at his office last Friday afternoon, and we chatted politics, music and total rubbish and had a good laugh. My condolences and prayers got to his wife and the whole family.”