Cabinet shake-up as leader appoints new health and finance chiefs

Cllrs Flora Williamson and Sara Hyde

Islington Council has announced two new cabinet members following the departure of its executive member for finance.

The Town Hall’s finance brief has been handed to Cllr Flora Williamson (Labour), who is replacing Cllr Diarmaid Ward who in January decided he would leave the frontbench this month.

Cllr Sara Hyde (Labour) will take over from Williamson as executive member for health and social care.

Council leader Una O’Halloran said the new finance lead would bring “a wealth of experience and expertise, with a strong background in financial management and strategic planning” to the role.

“She has constantly demonstrated her ability to drive performance and deliver results. Her leadership will be instrumental as we navigate financial challenges ahead and strive for excellence in the delivery of our council services.”

Turning to Williamson’s successor, Cllr Hyde, she said: “Dr Hyde has extensive experience in women’s health and criminal justice system, making her exceptionally well-suited for this role.

“Her passion for improving health outcomes and her deep understanding of the complexities within the social care care sector will be vital as it works and enhance the wellbeing of our community.”

As councillor for Caledonian ward, Cllr Hyde has been promoted to the executive after previously serving as Islington Labour’s chief whip.

Having worked in the judicial system, last year she completed her doctoral thesis at the University of Nottingham on the impact of prison suicides on staff.

Cllr Williamson was elected to the council in 2014 and has worked as a charity fundraiser for Breast Cancer Care, and before then for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

The now ex-finance chief, Cllr Ward, will return to the backbenches after nine years in the council’s cabinet.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), he said he was “very sad” to be leaving, but added:“Anybody who gets to be a full-time politician is incredibly lucky.”

Ward is also to step down from his role as a councillor for Holloway next year, ahead of London’s local elections.

O’Halloran formally declared her mini-reshuffle yesterday evening at the Town Hall’s annual general meeting, which also saw councillors elect the borough’s new civic mayor.

Cllr Jason Jackson (Labour, Holloway) has taken over from Cllr Anjna Khurana, who gave a tearful farewell speech.

Born in Nigeria, Jackson has made history as the first Black man to hold the ceremonial role in the borough.

His inaugural address was punctuated by praise for Islington’s multiculturalism.

“Diversity is not a problem to solve but a power to fuel us forward,” he said.

“Politics at its best is an act of love. I am not here for the recognition, but for the responsibility”, he added.

The annual municipal gathering also saw appearances from local MPs Emily Thornberry and Jeremy Corbyn, alongside City Hall Labour figures Sem Moema and Mete Coban.