Tributes paid to councillor who was 'full of joy'

Flags are being flown at half mast at Leeds Civic Hall as tributes are paid following the death of city councillor.

Mahalia France-Mir represented the Moortown ward on Leeds City Council for more than three years, after being elected in 2022.

The Moortown Labour Party said she had died on Monday "following illness", adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family".

Labour councillor Luke Farley, who represents the Burmantofts and Richmond Hill ward, said he was "heartbroken" by the news.

He added: "She was full of compassion and joy and dedicated to her ward of Moortown.

"She would always be the first person to volunteer to help."

Ms France-Mir's father, Arthur France, founded Leeds' West Indian Carnival, which has been held in the city almost every summer since 1967.

Labour councillor Tom Hinchcliffe described France-Mir as a "wonderful and kind person who was so close to many of us in the Leeds Labour Group".

He added: "She is going to be missed by so many in Moortown, Meanwood and across the city."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, council leader James Lewis praised her passion in representing ward residents.

"Mahalia was an exceptional woman who will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time."

He said she would remembered for her "great compassion and warmth" and for "breaking barriers".

"Her loss is widely felt," he added.

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