Tributes have been paid to a ‘funny and selfless’ South London councillor after he died of cancer.
Vauxhall Labour councillor Liam Jarnecki passed away this week just over a year after being diagnosed with the illness.
Mr Jarnecki, a long-time community activist, was elected to the council at the last council elections in May 2022. He had lived in Vauxhall with his husband for more than fifteen years.
Lambeth Council leader Claire Holland said Mr Jarnecki would be remembered as ‘a humble, kind, charming, funny and selfless man who was loved and respected by all of us who were fortunate enough to have spent time with him and known him well’.
She added: “Liam’s passing is a devastating loss for us all – it is felt deeply by me personally and the whole of the Lambeth Labour group of councillors.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terrible time. That sadness is also deeply felt at Lambeth Council where Liam was a valued and respected colleague. He will be dearly missed.”
Cllr Holland said that Mr Jarnecki was inspired to stand as a councillor after witnessing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on local communities.
Over the course of his career he worked in several Whitehall roles, including at the Department of Education and the Department for Communities and Local Government, as well as in higher education.
A huge Eurovision fan, Mr Jarnecki equally loved West Ham and did trailblazing work fighting homophobia on the pitches in the 90s. He was also involved in Stonewall FC, Britain’s top LGBT+ football team.
Councillor Donna Harris, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Councillor Liam Jarnecki. Liam was a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and a friend to many across the borough. Our sincere condolences to Liam’s family and friends.”
A by-election to be held to choose Mr Jarnecki’s successor as ward councillor in due course.
