Tributes Paid to Former Hounslow Leader and Mayor Colin Ellar
Politician was bassist with Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band
Colin Ellar
July 21, 2026
Hounslow Council has announced with deep regret the passing of former Councillor Colin Ellar, who served residents for nearly twenty years and held many of the borough’s most senior civic roles, including Leader, Deputy Leader and Mayor.
Mr Ellar, who died in Italy on Friday 17 July aged 75, was a long‑standing Labour councillor representing Feltham Central, Hanworth Park and later Hounslow Heath. During his time on the Council he chaired numerous committees and boards, reflecting his commitment to local democracy and accountability. He served as Deputy Leader between 2002 and 2004, Leader from 2004 to 2006, and again as Deputy Leader between 2012 and 2014. He was also proud to serve as Mayor of Hounslow in 2010/11.
Born in Paddington and raised in County Durham, Colin Ellar led a life that was as varied as it was accomplished. Before entering politics, he enjoyed a successful musical career, playing bass guitar with Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band in the 1960s and later with the jazz‑progressive group Armada. He was also an English teacher and translator, an accomplished linguist fluent in Italian, and a devoted football supporter. After retiring from public life in 2018, he spent much of his time in Italy, where he passed away surrounded by his wife Yvonne and son Jason Ellar, himself a former councillor.
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. ”
He added that those who worked with Mr Ellar would remember his intellect, wit and wide‑ranging interests — from politics and languages to music, football and his beloved Italy — and that his kindness and friendship would be remembered by many.
A tribute to Mr Ellar is being paid at Borough Council this Tuesday evening (21 July), and a black ribbon has been placed on the Council flag in his memory.
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