Milton Keynes City Council has paid tribute to Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking Shanika Mahendran, whose death has been announced following a short and sudden illness. She was 28.
Mahendran held one of the council’s most influential portfolios, leading on planning and placemaking at a time of continued growth across Milton Keynes. Her work covered development, regeneration and sustainability, helping to shape decisions affecting the city’s future.
Born and raised in Milton Keynes, she was first elected in 2022 to represent Loughton and Shenley before becoming Chair of the Planning Committee later that year. In 2023, she joined the Cabinet as the youngest member and the first Asian woman to hold a Cabinet position in Milton Keynes. Following May’s local elections, she was re-elected to represent New Bradwell while continuing in the planning and placemaking role.
Alongside her council responsibilities, Shanika held a Master’s degree in Sustainable Cities from King’s College London. She was shortlisted for Young Councillor of the Year at the Local Government Information Unit Awards in 2025 and was named among The Planner magazine’s Women of Influence earlier this year.
Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council Lauren Townsend described Shanika as “such a talented young woman”, adding: “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.”
Council Leader Jane Carr said: “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 the Civic Offices are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Image Credit: Milton Keynes City Council.
