Milton Keynes City Council is deeply saddened by the death of Councillor Shanika Mahendran aged 28, after a short and sudden illness.
Born and raised in Milton Keynes, Councillor Mahendran was first elected to Milton Keynes City Council in 2022 at the age of 24, representing Loughton and Shenley ward.
In November 2022 she was elected Chair of Planning Committee, a role she held until joining the Cabinet in 2023 as the youngest, and the first Asian woman to hold a Cabinet post in Milton Keynes.
Councillor Mahendran graduated from King's College London with a Masters in Sustainable Cities. Last year she was shortlisted as Young Councillor of the Year in the national Local Government Information Unit awards, in part for her work developing Milton Keynes’ sustainability strategy, and was recognised as one of The Planner magazine’s Women of Influence earlier this year.
She was re-elected in May 2026, serving as Councillor for New Bradwell and as Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking.
“We are completely heartbroken at the loss of such a talented young woman, and she will be missed so deeply by so many. Our focus in the coming days and weeks will be on supporting her family. We are determined to carry on her amazing work, making the city she truly loved an even better place."
“Councillor Shanika Mahendran devoted her skills and energy to making our city a better place to live. Our thoughts and deep condolences go to her loved ones, and to all who will remember and miss her.”
Flags at Milton Keynes City Council are flying at half-mast as a sign of respect.