Leader of Haringey Council Claire Kober elected as chair of London Councils

The leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Claire Kober, was elected as the new chair of London Councils today.

London Councils is the cross-party organisation which represents London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation.

Her election to the post follows the move of the previous chair, Hackney’s mayor Jules Pipe, to that of London’s deputy mayor of planning, regeneration and skills at City Hall.

Prior to her election today, Cllr Kober had served as deputy chair of London Councils and executive member for infrastructure and regeneration.

She was elected to Haringey Council in 2006 and represents the Seven Sisters ward in South Tottenham.

In December 2008, having been Labour’s chief whip, she was elected leader of the council.

Following her appointment, Cllr Kober called for more decision-making to be made as close as possible to the people and communities those decisions impact on.

“London local government must have more power and resources devolved from Whitehall to be able to protect Londoners’ public services and their quality of life,” said Cllr Kober.

“In the aftermath of the European Referendum 2016, it’s vital that central government gives more power to London boroughs to work with the [London] mayor [Sadiq Khan] to get on with the job.

“From finance to the integration of health and care, from housing to skills and employment, London’s boroughs have a vital role in sustaining the position of this great city.

“Bringing London together at this time is essential and London Councils is well placed to meet this challenge. It is an honour to be elected to serve London local government and our capital in this critical role,” she said.