THE leader of Islington Council has announced she will be stepping down to help head up Mayor Sadiq Khan’s crime team at City Hall.

Mr Khan has proposed Councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz as his new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime after the current post-holder, Sophie Linden, resigned on Monday.

Cllr Comer-Schwartz’s resignation means that there will be a by-election in Junction Ward and that sitting Labour councillors must select a new leader in the Town Hall.

The outgoing leader has held the position since May 2021, and been a ward councillor since 2013.

If confirmed by the London Assembly Policing and Crime Committee, her new role will see her win a substantial pay increase.

Ms Linden, who is moving on an advisory role at the Ministry of Justice, was earning £141,000 when she held the post.

Cllr Comer-Schwartz said that it had been the “privilege of [her] life” to be an Islington councillor for the past 11 years, and to have led “this fantastic borough”.

She said: “I am extremely proud that this council has delivered so much for local people on the manifesto that we were elected on — fighting inequality, transforming youth justice, tackling the housing crisis and creating liveable neighbourhoods that are healthier and safer for families and children.”

She added: “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.”

Mr Khan said that Cllr Comer-Schwartz brings “extensive experience” to the role. “I’m confident that she will help us to continue reforming the police and deliver a safer London for everyone”, he said.