Tributes to Lib Dem councillor Donna Boffa, who died today

Friday March 19, 2010

By ROISIN GADELRAB

COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to Lib Dem Bunhill councillor Donna Boffa, who died following a long illness earlier today.
Cllr Boffa, 43, was first elected to represent Bunhill ward in 2003, in a by-election following the death of Lib Dem Cllr Rose Wooding. She leaves behind five children.

Islington Council leader Lib Dem Cllr Terry Stacy said: “Donna was a fighter right through to the end. From the day she was elected a councillor, Donna never forgot where she came from or who she was there to represent. Donna was all about helping the people without a voice. She was elected to sort out the council’s housing benefit service when people were getting eviction notices for unpaid benefit. And she always reminded us in her own unique way that we should never forget the many people in Islington struggling daily on benefits.”

He added: “But Donna’s big passion was always children, especially her own family. Her work with the youth service and safeguarding children was a model to us all.
“This is a tragic loss for someone so young and all our thoughts, support and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.”

Party colleague Cllr Meral Ece said: “Islington has lost a true community champion. My prayers are with her five children.”

An Islington Council spokeswoman said: “Cllr Boffa's interest lay with everything connected to children. Before her illness, she chaired the council's Corporate Parenting Committee which oversees looked-after children in Islington. She worked as a volunteer at Hugh Myddelton school and previously was a youth worker at Toffee Park playground where she ran the football team.”

Details of funeral arrangements will be announced later.