england times-Cllr Comer-Schwartz, who has been Leader since May 2021 and councillor for Junction ward since 2013, will take up her new role subject to a confirmation hearing by the London Assembly Policing and Crime Committee.If confirmed, she will stand down as Leader and a councillor, with a by-election held in Junction ward in due course. Deputy Leader Cllr Diarmaid Ward would then become Acting Leader.
During her tenure, Cllr Comer-Schwartz has overseen a series of achievements, including:
Pioneering the council’s approach to community power and tackling inequality
The transformation of the council’s youth justice service from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ and £2million investment in services for survivors of violence against women and girls
Building hundreds of new council homes for local people
Taking decisive action on the climate emergency – with Islington ranked as having the healthiest streets in London
Leading the borough’s recovery from the Covid pandemic
Taking 8,000 of the lowest income households in Islington out of Council Tax completely for the first time to support those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis
Cllr Comer-Schwartz said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as a councillor for the community where I grew up for the last 11 years and to lead this fantastic borough.
“I am extremely proud that this council has delivered so much for local people on the manifesto that we were elected on – fighting against inequality, transforming youth justice, tackling the housing crisis and creating liveable neighbourhoods that are healthier and safer for families and children.
“I know that this passion will continue because of the dedication to public service that thousands of council officers display every day in Islington.
“London is the greatest city on earth, and the opportunity to continue the fundamental reform of policing and approach to justice the Mayor has worked hard to deliver is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe. Kaya brings extensive experience to the role, working to make Londoners safer and improving trust and confidence in the police, which we know leads to reductions in violence and crime.
“I’m pleased to appoint Kaya Comer-Schwartz as London’s new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and I’m confident that she will help us to continue reforming the police and deliver a safer London for everyone.”
