London Councils has announced that Lambeth Council Leader Cllr Claire Holland has been elected as the new Chair.
With this announcement comes the news that Holland is ready to lead the organisation ‘into a new political era,’ as Holland takes over the role after Georgia Gould resigned following her election as the Member of Parliament for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale.
Holland has experience in the role already, serving as Acting Chair during Gould’s maternity leave having already been selected as Deputy Chair of London Councils. She has also served on the organisation’s Transport and Environment Committee.
Speaking about her election, Cllr Holland said:
“I’m delighted to have been elected to lead London Councils as we enter a new political era and to be working with a fantastic group of political leaders from across the capital.
“London boroughs are a force to be reckoned with - when we collaborate cross-party to champion and serve our city and its 9 million residents, we can achieve so much. We are ready to work with the new government to address the urgent challenges facing our city and country and help support a new mission-driven approach to government, working alongside the Mayor of London and our partners.
“In particular, we are determined to drive growth and bring London’s housing crisis to an end – that means building more homes, investing in infrastructure and ensuring local authorities have the powers and funding we need to deliver on our ambitions for the capital.
“I want to thank Georgia for her inspiring and accomplished leadership over the past four years, and our other outgoing Executive members for their service. With Georgia, Nesil and Jas being elected as MPs, I look forward to working with them as they continue to be a voice for Londoners and local government in Parliament.”
Also announced during London Councils’ AGM was the rest of the new Executive Team, including:
- Deputy Chair/Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration – Cllr Grace Williams
- Vice Chair of the Conservative Group – Cllr Elizabeth Campbell
- Vice Chair of the Liber Democrat Group – Cllr Gareth Roberts
- Vice Chair of the Independent Group – Chris Hayward
- Executive Member for Health – Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz
- Executive Member for London’s Future – Mayor Jason Perry
- Executive Member for Children and Young People – Cllr Ian Edwards
- Executive Member for Transport and Environment – Cllr Kieron Williams
- Executive Member for Community Safety – Cllr Muhammed Butt
- Executive Member for Communities – Cllr Anthony Okereke
- Executive Member for Planning and Skills: Cllr Peter Mason
- Data and Innovation – Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz
As she leads the group that represents 32 London boroughs, as well as the City of London Corporation, Holland will need to lead the collaborative work between all of the boroughs as they seek to improve Londoners’ lives. London Councils plans to get this done by boosting inclusive and sustainable growth, tackling the capital’s housing emergency, achieving improved financial stability for councils, and promoting prevention and wellbeing.
Image credit: London Councils
