Hounslow Council regrets to announce the passing of former Councillor Colin Ellar, a former Leader, Deputy Leader and Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow Council regrets to announce the passing of former Councillor Colin Ellar, a former Leader, Deputy Leader and Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, who served residents for almost two decades.
Former Councillor Ellar served as a Labour councillor for Feltham Central ward from 1998 to 2002, Hanworth Park ward from 2002 to 2006, and later Hounslow Heath ward from 2010 to 2018.
During his time on the Council, he held many of the borough's most senior civic and political positions. He served as Deputy Leader of the Council between 2002 and 2004, Leader of the Council from 2004 to 2006, and then again as Deputy Leader between 2012 and 2014. He was also proud to serve as Mayor of Hounslow in 2010/11.
Throughout his years of public service, former Councillor Ellar sat on a wide range of committees and boards, reflecting his commitment to local democracy and accountability. These included the Central Hounslow Area Committee, West Area Committee, Audit Committee, Affordable Housing Committee, Standards Committee, Health and Wellbeing Board, Complaints Committee, Community Safety Partnership Board and the Confidential Cases Sub-Committee. He also chaired the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee and served on the Local Strategic Partnership Board, Hounslow Together.
Former Councillor Ellar was a longstanding Cabinet member on a number of occasions, including serving as Cabinet Member for Environment between 2012 and 2014.
Beyond the Council Chamber, he represented Hounslow on numerous external organisations including the Association of London Government Leaders’ Committee, the Urban Committee, the Employment Trust, the South West Middlesex Crematorium Board and the Hounslow Heath Advisory Committee. He was also a former director of Lampton 360.
Born in Paddington and raised in County Durham, Colin lived a richly varied life beyond local government. He was an accomplished linguist with a lifelong passion for Italy and the Italian language, often impressing native speakers with his fluency. Following his retirement from public life in 2018, he spent much of his time in Italy.
He was also a devoted football supporter, an English teacher and translator, and spent several years living in Amsterdam during the 1990s.
Before entering politics, Colin enjoyed a successful musical career. He played bass guitar with the renowned soul group Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band during the 1960s, recording an album with the band, before becoming bassist with the 1970s jazz progressive group Armada.
Former Councillor Ellar died in Italy on Friday 17 July 2026, surrounded by his family, including his wife Yvonne and his son, former Councillor Jason Ellar. He was 75 years old.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said:
"It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of former Councillor Colin Ellar at the age of 75.
"Colin dedicated many years of his life to serving the people of Hounslow and made a significant contribution to our borough as a councillor, Deputy Leader, Leader of the Council and Mayor. His commitment to public service, strong sense of community and passion for local government left a lasting mark on Hounslow.
"Those who worked with Colin will remember his intellect, wit and wide-ranging interests. Whether discussing local politics, languages, music, football or his beloved Italy, he brought enthusiasm and warmth to every conversation.
"He led a fascinating and accomplished life both inside and outside politics and will be remembered not only for his commitment to public service, but also for his kindness and friendship to so many.
"On behalf of Hounslow Council, I extend my sincere condolences to Yvonne, Jason and the whole Ellar family, as well as to his many friends, former colleagues and all those whose lives he touched. His contribution to Hounslow will long be remembered."
A tribute to former Councillor Ellar will be paid at Borough Council this evening (21 July 2026).
A black ribbon has also been placed on the Council flag in his memory.
