Tributes are flooding in for Councillor Maxi Martin, who sadly passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, April 6.

Cllr Martin, who represented St Helier Ward for 18 years, was cabinet member for children's services at Merton Council and was mayor between 2003 and 2004. 

She had been unwell since December, and it is believed she had been battling cancer.

A book of condolence has been opened for Cllr Martin, located in the foyer of the civic centre outside Morden Library.

It will be handed to Cllr Martin's family on behalf of Merton's residents by Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis.

From yesterday: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Maxi's family" - Labour Councillor Maxi Martin passes away

Cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities, Councillor Edith Macauley, has paid tribute to her "dear friend" and described the news of her death as "devastating".

She said: "I have known Maxi since 1998, we were both elected to Merton Council the same year and we have been great friends since that date.

"The last event which we both attended was the Mayor of Merton's Christmas party. Even though she was not herself, she looked glamorous and had a good evening. 

"This is very devasting news for me, I don't know what I am going to do without Maxi. 

"She was so hard working, loyal, friendly, bubbly, and had a good sense with the outfits she wears and also her make up. Even though we saw each other at Cabinet meetings most times, we phoned each other every day and we normally had something to talk about. 

"She has been a very loyal friend to me and I will miss her immensely. 

"May her soul rest in perfect peace, a wonderful and dedicated woman in Merton who was very popular with everyone."

Elspeth Clarke, of London Road, Morden, described Cllr Martin as "Northumberland's answer to Dolly Parton". 

She said: "I was very saddened to hear of Maxi's pasing. She was one of my local councillors, and over the past ten years we had become good friends. Thanks to Maxi, I became a primary school governor. 

"I remember her as an energetic, caring, exceptionally hardworking diminutive individual. She was huge fun, with a great sense of humour.

"She cared passionately about the Labour party and her councillor position - especially her cabinet role for children's services. She must have helped more people over the years than practically anyone else in in the UK!

"I knew she was very poorly and it is my one great regret that I didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye to her. She was definitely a one-off, and I am going to miss her so much, as will many other people in Merton. 

"Thank you, Maxi, for all you did for us."

Cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Andrew Judge, paid tribute to his former colleague. 

He said: "Maxi Martin was committed to children and young people in Merton.

"In 2000, Children's Services had gone into special measures, so as the cabinet member Maxi was determined to improve quality and inspired the whole council to take its responsibility for corporate parenting seriously. 

"Maxi was so dedicated that she got to know the individual children in care and supported them in their achievements. By 2006, Merton's Children's Services were amongst the best in the country, and much credit for that transformation is due to Maxi. 

"Maxi was also a lady of great style and that came across very strongly when she was Mayor. 

"She had a positive and vibrant personality and never tired of expressing her pride in being both a Geordie and a councillor for St Helier Ward! She will be remembered for a very long time."

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's auxiliary, Lajna Ima'illah UK, released a statement paying tribute to Cllr Martin.

It said: "Maxi Martin, a dear friend to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, passed away on Wednesday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

"Maxi had a heart of gold and her sincerity was tangible. She was a friend of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's auxiliary organisation for many years and we have many cherished memories of wonderful times spent at Baitul Futuh mosque with her. 

"She was always there for us, and was indeed one of us.

"Maxi was forthright and passionate for the causes she worked for, such as domestic violence. She was extremely willing to help women and was a passionate advocate for women and issues involving them. 

"Maxi engaged very well with audiences as she spoke from the heart and in an entertaining way. She was generous with her time, was very welcoming and very inclusive. Her diminutive person carried steely strength.

"She embraced Lajna Ima’illah UK as her own and referred to Baitul Futuh as ‘my mosque’.

"We pay tribute to her amazing nature and say good bye to a very dear friend, a sister who will be sorely missed."

Cllr Alambritis, said: "Maxi was a wonderful councillor and was deeply committed to representing residents in St Helier. 

"She was also devoted to the interests of young people and worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard.

"The armed forces also valued the work she did in organising the yearly Armed Forces Day Parade in Merton."

He added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Maxi's family, who were so important to her and were with her until the last." 

Opposition parties in Merton Council have also paid tribute to Cllr Martin. 

In a statement, formal Liberal Democrat councillor Iain Dysart said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Maxi's passing.

"Few politicians at any level command the respect or admiration that she achieved. She always had time for everyone, and this was reciprocated. 

"Despite the pressures of her roles, no task was ever too large or small for Maxi. She assiduously attended meetings to inform other councillors of her activities and aspirations. She argued her case passionately and authoritatively, whether or not it commanded unanimous agreement of all present.

"Her mischievous streak (expressed with warmth) and sense of humour were part of her attraction and on equal display at public or private discussions.

"Maxi's commitment to the interests of Merton's young were unrivalled. She also worked very closely with the communities of St Helier, which gained her deep affection as well as loyalty.

"It is hard to believe that Maxi is no longer with us; and she is a tough act to follow and example to all.

"We send our deepest condolences to Maxi's family and friends at this sad time."

Leader of the Merton Conservative Group, Oonagh Moulton, said in a statement: "I and my Conservative colleagues are very saddened to learn of the passing of Cllr Maxi Martin and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues.

“We all have some wonderful memories of Maxi as a councillor for St Helier, as a past Mayor of Merton and as the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.

"I have been privileged to work with her myself over many years and have personally enjoyed her company.

“Maxi was an extraordinary and vibrant character who stood up with passion for children and vulnerable people and - whether young or old – for those who have suffered abuse.

"She will be missed across our borough and may she rest in peace.”

What are your memories of Maxi Martin? Leave a tribute by contacting the newsdesk on pippa.allen@london.newsquest.co.uk or 020 8722 6337.