Former Leader of Hounslow Council, Steve Curran MBE, has died from lung cancer.

Hounslow councillors have taken to social media to remember their former colleague who is described as someone who always wanted the best for the borough.

During the pandemic, Curran led the council which saw him support local community hubs in delivering food packages to vulnerable residents across the borough.

Cllr for Syon & Brentford Lock, Katherine Dunne said on X: "RIP Steve Curran. Thank you for the support you gave me as my fellow ward councillor and as leader of the council.

"You wanted the best for Hounslow and had the determination to make it happen."

Cllr for Cranford, Vickram Grewal, said: "Very saddened to hear of the passing of our former LB Hounslow Leader, Steve Curren.

"Thank you Steve for supporting my efforts to redevelop and rejuvenate Hounslow Heath Nature Reserve during my time as a councillor in Hounslow Heath.

"It wouldn't have happened without you."

Grewal continued: "You never asked for credit or posed for a single picture. My family and I had the pleasure of knowing Steve since his time as Anne Keen's PA.

"Always a gent and pleasure to work with. This borough is a better place because of his leadership. We are forever grateful. RIP Steve."

Conservative Cllr for Chiswick Gunnersbury, Ron Mushio, also paid tribute and said "rest in peace my friend."

Steve Curran helping to deliver food parcels to vulnerable residents in Hounslow during COVID-19 (credit: Hounslow Council).

In 2022, Curran stepped down as leader of the council because of illness.

At the time he said: "Due to illness and after discussions with my family and friends, I have made the decision not to stand in the forthcoming local elections in May of this year.

"As you can imagine this has been a very difficult decision to make.

"It has been an honour and privilege to have served the residents of Hounslow since I was elected as a Councillor for Syon ward in 2010.

"When I became Leader of the Council in 2014, we set ambitious targets to provide high quality education, build new Council homes and protect the most vulnerable, particularly the young and the old.

"I believe that this Council has done that."

He added: "I am also very proud of the Council's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It showed not only the Council at its best but more importantly it showed the enormous community spirit in Hounslow, whether that was in Chiswick, Brentford, Hounslow or Feltham. Individual residents, community groups, volunteers and businesses all came together to support and help others in the most difficult of circumstances.

"I believe as we near the end of this administration it has never been more fit for purpose to face the challenges ahead."

The ex Hounslow cllr was awarded an MBE in King Charles' 2023 New Years Honours List for his 'services to Local Government and to the community in Hounslow'.

Last week he was given the title of Alderman of Hounslow, which his son Samuel Curran picked up on his behalf.

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