A town hall equalities chief who was found brutally stabbed to death always put Islington residents “at the heart of everything she did”, mourners said today, as tributes flooded in for the council figurehead.

Kate Dixon, Islington Council’s joint head of strategy, equality and performance, was found dead at her home before Jonathan Tebbs, who is thought to be her boyfriend, appeared in court last week charged with her murder.

Tebbs, 46, of Stapleton Hall Road, Finsbury Park, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday after writing a letter to officers investigating the murder, according to a police source.

A post-mortem found 40-year-old Ms Dixon, whose body was found at her Streatham home on Monday, July 1, died from multiple stab wounds.

Today colleagues, who paid tribute to “the best manager they ever had”, told how Ms Dixon had been behind some of the biggest council projects targeted at the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

She had played a leading role in tackling child poverty, according to colleagues, also being behind the implementation of the Islington Fairness Commission proposals designed to close the gap between rich and poor.

Islington Council chief executive Lesley Seary said: “The news of Kate’s death has come as a terrible shock to her council colleagues.

“Kate worked for the council since 2007 and had all the values that you would hope for in a public servant.

“The residents we serve were always at the heart of everything Kate did and she was consistent and determined in standing up for their interests.

“She was intelligent and thoughtful and those who worked in her team say she was the best manager they ever had. Kate will be very sadly missed.”

Former colleague Jon Harvey took to Twitter to pay tribute to the council chief. He posted: “Kate Dixon: great friend, brilliant colleague & all round amazing person. RIP”

A book of condolence has now been opened at the town hall for colleagues and acquaintances.

Tebbs was charged with the tragic council worker’s murder the night after her body was found, according to a police spokesman.

He appeared in custody at South Western Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, July 3, before his Old Bailey appearance on Friday.

He is expected to enter a plea to the single charge of murder on September 27.