Kaya Comer-Schwartz said her new role as one of Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayors was ‘an opportunity I couldn’t turn down’

THE race to become the next leader of Islington Council has begun behind the scenes at the Town Hall.

The vacancy at the top opened up on Friday as Kaya Comer-Schwartz announced she was stepping down to become one of Sadiq Khan’s deputies at City Hall.

The ruling group must now decide on her successor with hopefuls privately sounding out what support they would have in a vote of councillors.

John Woolf

Cllr Comer-Schwartz has been asked by Mr Khan to tackle crime and policing on a city-wide basis. Her departure will mean yet another by-election in Islington, this time in the Junction ward.

Community safety chief Councillor John Woolf told the Tribune that he intended to run for the leadership, but three other cabinet members were also said to be interested and considering their options.

Una O’halloran

These were the current deputy leader Diarmaid Ward, housing supremo and former mayor Una O’Halloran, and Sheila Chapman, the executive member on inequalities. They were reportedly ringing colleagues to establish the likely state of play, with a contest expected rather than a coronation.

As the speculation swirled, Cllr Ward said he would not comment, while Cllr O’Halloran and Cllr Chapman did not respond to our messages.

Sheila Chapman

Cllr Comer-Schwartz has led Islington since May 2021 when she took over without any internal competitors for the position. Her new £140,000-a-year job with Mr Khan is due to be confirmed by the London Assembly Policing and Crime Committee at their meeting on Wednesday. She will replace the outgoing deputy mayor Sophie Linden.

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.”

Diarmaid Ward

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 inequality, transforming youth justice, tackling the housing crisis and creating liveable neighbourhoods that are healthier and safer for families and children.

“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.”

Sadiq Khan

Mr Khan said Cllr Comer-Schwartz had “extensive experience” to bring to her new role.

Benali Hamdache, who leads the Green Party councillors in the Town Hall, said: “I wish Kaya best of luck with the new role. The Metropolitan Police’s failures are massively documented and we need a fresh start.

“Kaya’s past comments about accountability and drug laws are a good start. We now have a Labour government, a Labour mayor and a Labour council. Islington residents are awaiting delivery and progressive values.”