Camden council leader Georgia Gould re-elected London Councils chair

The leader of Camden council, Georgia Gould, has been re-elected as chair of the association of London’s boroughs, London Councils.

Labour councillor Ms Gould was reelected on Tuesday, June 7, at the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM), and said her prior tackling the climate and cost of living crises.

She said: “I feel incredibly hopeful that at this important moment for our city, London boroughs will focus on delivering for communities across the capital.”

Ms Gould has served as a Labour councillor for Kentish Town, in Camden since 2010, and was appointed leader of the north London council in May 2017.

She took over from the previous leader of London Councils in October 2020, after he stayed on for a few months longer due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Gould was then kept in her post at the 2021 AGM.

She said: “The next few years present huge challenges for London - tackling inequality in our city, supporting residents and businesses through the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring London’s voice is part of debates on levelling up.

“Having stepped up to support our communities during the pandemic despite incredibly difficult circumstances for us all, London boroughs are committed to working together on our shared ambitions from tackling the climate crisis to supporting Londoners facing a cost-of-living crisis.

“Together we will make the case for London and make sure the voices of Londoners are heard.”

The 2022 AGM also saw Darren Rodwell, Labour council leader in Barking and Dagenham elected as deputy chair, with responsibility for regeneration, housing and planning.

While Teresa O’Neill, Conservative council leader in Bexley; Sutton’s Liberal Democrat council leader Ruth Dombey; and Chris Hayward, Independent policy chairman of the City of London corporation were all elected as vice-chairmen.

Hackney mayor Philip Glanville, Labour, was elected lead on climate change, transport and environment digital.

Elizabeth Campbell, Conservative leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, was elected executive member for London’s future; while Claire Holland, Labour council leader in Lambeth, was made executive member for communities.

Ian Edwards, Conservative council leader in Hillingdon was made executive member for children and young people; and Jas Asthwal, Labour leader in Redbridge, was elected executive member for community safety and violence against women and girls.

The Labour leader of Enfield council, Nesil Caliskan, was elected executive member for health, wellbeing and adult care.

And Rohksana Fiaz, Newham mayor, was made executive member for skills and employment