Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz is to resign as council leader to become London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime, the Town Hall has confirmed.
By Joe Steen
Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz is to resign as council leader to become London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime, the Town Hall has confirmed.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has recommended Comer-Schwartz for the role following the resignation of Sophie Linden last week.
The appointment will be subject to confirmation by the London Assembly’s policing and crime committee.
If approved, Islington’s deputy leader Cllr Diarmaid Ward would become acting leader, followed by a by-election.
Cllr Comer-Schwartz has led the council since May 2021, and has served as a councillor since 2013.
A council press release stated that Cllr Comer-Schwartz’s tenure had included several achievements, including the building of hundreds of homes, investment for survivors of violence against women and girls, and the transformation of the Town Hall’s youth justice service.
In the statement, 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”.
She added: “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.”
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, she said she was “truly honoured” to be put forward by London’s mayor.
“I’m excited to work with Sadiq to build trust and confidence in the Metropolitan Police at this important time,” she added.
Islington’s Labour councillors heaped praise on their outgoing leader on social media.
Cllr Ward said: “I will miss my friend [.] But I am so happy for her.”
Cllr Flora Williamson posted: “A huge loss for Islington but a massive gain for the whole London. Will hugely miss my pal @KayaJunction but massive congratulations.”
Cllr Sem Moema AM (Labour), who represents Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest on the Assembly, also posted that this was a “great appointment”.
“Islington’s loss is City Hall’s gain, at a time when policing London’s communities [are] under more scrutiny than ever,” she said.
In the council press release, Mayor 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.”
