A book of condolence has been opened at Hammersmith and Fulham's town halls after one of the borough’s longest-serving councillors died last week.

Conservative councillor Antony Lillis lost his battle with cancer last Wednesday, July 29, after fighting his illness with “courage and good humour”.

Colleagues described Coun Lillis as “one of the most well-loved figures in local politics” as tributes to the 42-year-old flooded in.

Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: “Antony was a Hammersmith and Fulham councillor for nearly 20 years and devoted half his life to public service in the borough.

“He was passionate about school standards, passionate about helping children in care, passionate about supporting the community and voluntary sector and the elderly.

“Antony was also a passionate Conservative who joined the Young Conservatives as a teenager. He believed that people should work hard and play by the rules. His philosophy was to promote the hand up rather than the handout.

“Yet in many ways Antony was above politics. He was loved by everybody across the council and community.

"I told him on one of my hospital visits that he was irreplaceable and he will be sorely missed.”

Councillor Stephen Cowan, leader of the opposition, added: “Despite political differences he developed friendships with many in the Labour group and was respected for being on top of his brief.

“He fought his illness with courage and good humour. Our thoughts and sympathies go to his mother and the rest of his family.”

Councillor Lillis served the borough for more than 20 years.

As well as representing Town ward constituents, he was also cabinet member for community and children’s services and vice-chairman of the the licensing committee.

He was born and brought up in Fulham and spent his life in the borough, first attending Langford Primary School in Sands End followed by Henry Compton Secondary School.

In 1990, when he was aged just 22 years, he was elected as a councillor for Colehill ward and was so popular he was re-elected at every poll over the next 20 years.

His long list of civic duties include being the opposition spokesman for education and social care between 1991 and 2006 and being appointed cabinet member for community services in 2006.

In an obituary on Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s website, a tribute to Councillor Lillis reads: “His drive and commitment meant that he was able to build up an unrivalled connection with the people and the places he served.

“In the council chamber, Antony’s was a voice of calm and conciliation. His genuine interest in individual people’s lives and concerns enabled him to achieve a level of respect few politicians are given.

“Outside his role as a councillor, Antony was a larger-than-life character who lived every day to the full. His fellow regulars at the Salutation pub across the road from the town hall will remember his legendary tales and his humour. He will be hugely missed.”

A book of condolence can be signed in the foyer of Hammersmith town hall and Fulham town hall. Many more tributes to Councillor Lillis can be viewed on the council’s website.

• Did you know Councillor Anthony Lillis? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a tribute below.