Tributes have been paid to a veteran Croydon councillor and dad who served the borough for 12 years.

Badsha Quadir died in the early hours of Monday morning (September 12) aged 64.

The local Conservative group called the “beloved” councillor “a devoted friend, colleague and community leader”.

He was first elected to represent Purley in 2010 and was re-elected to the council three times, most recently in May this year for the Selsdon Vale and Forestdale ward. 

He was also deputy mayor of Croydon in 2013.

A local businessman, Badsha had lived with his wife and three children in Purley for more than 34 years.

He was a committed Muslim,” devoting himself to supporting Selsdon Mosque”.

He was also a cricket coach and chairman of Abahani Cricket Club,  a governor of Thomas More Catholic School and a founding member of the Bangladeshi Welfare Association in Croydon.

Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “Badsha was a dear colleague and a close friend, his passing is a terrible loss to our party, his community and the whole of Croydon.

“A good, caring, generous man – Badsha will be missed by the many charities and community groups that he supported.

"Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Jebun and his entire family during this difficult time.”

Councillor Robert Ward said: “Sad news that fellow Selsdon Councillor Badsha Quadir has passed away.

"Badsha was a kind, gentle man and a valued colleague.

"He will be sorely missed.”

Councillor Andy Stranack said: “I am devastated by the news that my friend Badsha has passed away.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Badsha’s family today."

Badsha had already become an established face in the Forestdale and Selsdon community as we attended a number of community events and meetings together.

And Councillor Karen Jewitt said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Cllr Badsha Quadir he was a nice man, he sat on the licensing committee with me, a good positive member.

"He was also very generous donating hot food to my elders charity during lockdown.

"My thoughts are with his family RIP.”

Cllr Quadir’s death means a by-election for the Selsdon Vale and Forestdale ward will be held in due course.