Labour councillor Una O’Halloran has been appointed as Islington’s new council leader.
Her election follows the resignation of ex-leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz, who left the post to take up the role of deputy mayor for policing and crime at City Hall last month.
Having won her bid for Islington Labour chief in the first round of voting on 4 November, a special council meeting took place last night to confirm O’Halloran’s nomination and election as council leader.
“You’ve put a lot of trust in me, but it’s not about me — it’s about all of us. A leader is only as good as her team,” Cllr O’Halloran said.
“It is going to be tough. We have an amazing Labour government and a Labour mayor who has hit the ground running, but we’ve been left a terrible mess from the Tories.
“The Labour Party is about hope, and people need hope. I’m going to speak to every single one of you and see how we can do this together.
“I’m going to be outspoken, but I’m going to work with people.”
She thanked acting leader Cllr Diairmaid Ward while paying tribute to her family and all those who attended the meeting held at short-notice.
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O’Halloran joined the council as a Caledonian ward representative in 2014, and in that time has held the executive briefs for homes and communities and community development, and has also served as the borough’s ceremonial mayor.
In a rare show of unity across the chamber, members from each political group welcomed her leadership.
Fellow Caledonian councillor Sara Hyde (Labour) held back tears as she began her effusive nomination speech, which included an unexpected reference to the musical Hamilton.
“This beautiful soul has worked so hard since joining the council.
“She’s never shied away from transparency and she tells it like it is. Her grasp of detail gained through her dedication has been second-to-none.
“We are all with you as we seek to tackle poverty, inequality and injustice, and continue to make Islington the best place to live for generations to come,” said Cllr Hyde.
Cllr Saiqa Pandor (Labour) praised the new borough chief’s qualities, which had inspired her own journey into local politics.
“Her ability to connect to the people of Islington is no easy feat, but she manages it with so much grace and respect.”
“She believed in me and my potential, and I will always be thankful for her support.”
Cllr Ernestas Jegorovas-Armstrong, the Green group’s deputy leader, said:
“We have a Labour-run council, a Labour mayor and a Labour government, but Islington residents expects the council to deliver on huge issues—from climate change to the housing crisis—and we wish you all the best in those efforts.”
Cllr Phil Graham, an Islington Independent who left the Labour group in July, said he was “delighted” at the election of his friend whom he had known since his time as an activist.
“I hope she’ll be one of our strongest leaders. She’s got a backbone made of solid stuff, and you wouldn’t cross her.”
He also noted that the new leader had influenced his becoming a local councillor for Bunhill in 2018.
“I know some of you may not be too happy with that, but things happen,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, council leader O’Halloran announced Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford (Labour) would be her deputy.
He will retain his brief as executive member for inclusive economy, now expanded to include planning.
O’Halloran’s former post as executive member for homes and neighbourhoods will be taken by Cllr John Woolf (Labour).
His successor as community safety chief will be announced at a later date.
All other executive positions remain unchanged.
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