‘We have made great strides’: Linzi Roberts-Egan steps down as Islington’s chief executive – with the hunt now on for a replacement

Linzi Roberts-Egan. Photograph: Islington Council

The hunt is on for a new council boss in Islington after chief executive Linzi Roberts-Egan called time on her three-year tenure.

Roberts-Egan is returning to Waltham Forest as chief executive to replace the outgoing Martin Esom. She was previously deputy chief executive of the East London borough.

Announcing her move, she said: “The biggest pleasure of my time in Islington has been connecting with our incredible residents and with everyone in Islington who works so hard to improve our borough, from our street sweepers to our children’s and adult’s social workers who support people in need every day.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, under incredible pressure, we saw the absolute best of Islington as so many people – residents and staff alike – led the way to support our communities, and get help to the people who needed it most.”

She added: “Together, we have made great strides in tackling inequality, from building badly needed new council homes to challenging inequality and injustice, and prioritising early help and support for families and young people.”

She joined Islington in September 2019 on a salary of £185,000.

The pandemic hit the following year, with the council faced a huge challenge in helping residents get through it.

Many staff had to rapidly adapt to different jobs, while others had to help run council services from home.

Roberts-Egan chaired daily crisis response meetings.

Along with other London council chiefs executives, she has the “Gold” responsibility for London for two fortnights a year – meaning she would act as chief executive for London in the event of a city-wide emergency.

Her role at Islington has also included improving equality in the borough.

A council spokesman said this work includes the council’s house-building programme, work to improve mental health support for young Black men, and putting residents “at the centre of how the council designs and runs services”.

Roberts-Egan has worked in the public sector for more than 30 years after starting out as a teacher.

She was an executive headteacher at a mainstream primary school and two pupil referral units in Thurrock, before becoming assistant director of education and inclusion at St Helens council.

Two years later she joined Newham as director of children’s services, before moving to Waltham Forest in 2013.

Islington Council leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz said: “Linzi has been a tireless champion for our borough, working with the council’s executive to deliver community-focused services throughout her time in Islington.

“She led our response to the pandemic, supporting our staff to help local people during the scariest of times, and worked alongside us in developing our mission to tackle inequality, rooted in the lived experiences of our communities.

“Many people have seen first-hand Linzi’s commitment to improving the lives of our residents and her passion for public service.”

Green opposition leader Cllr Benali Hamdache said: “I have always found Linzi a great and collaborative CEO and always receptive to the opposition.”

The council will put interim arrangements in place over the coming weeks while it recruits its next chief executive.