Each cabinet member is in charge of a different portfolio from safer homes, homelessness and housing services to workers, business and skills
The newly-elected Mayor of Lewisham, Liam Shrivastava has confirmed his cabinet members who will be in charge of policy areas from regeneration and planning to youth empowerment and culture. Mayor Shrivastava, who is Lewisham’s first directly-elected Green mayor, revealed his cabinet team during Lewisham Council’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday (May 20).
His cabinet is made up of nine councillors, with many being elected to the council for the first time following the May 7 local elections. Mayor Shrivastava confirmed Cllr Rudi Schmidt as his deputy, and he will also serve as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Economic Development.
Mayor Shrivastava told the council chamber: “We were elected on a mandate for change and hope for our communities and I am so excited about all of the councillors that have been elected and the cabinet that we have put together to really drive forward our agenda.”
The local elections resulted in a historic win for the Lewisham Green Party Group as it took control of both the council and mayoralty for the first time and ended years of Labour rule.
In total, the Greens won 39 seats while Labour secured 14. One extra seat in Crofton Park has become vacant after it was won by Mayor Shrivastava, who is unable to take the seat as he was simultaneously elected as Mayor.
Mayor Shrivastava won 40.4 per cent of the vote, beating Labour’s Amanda De Ryk who came second with 34.8 per cent of the vote.
Mayor Shrivastava told the council chamber: “It is the greatest honour of my life to stand before you all today as the first Green directly-elected Mayor of Lewisham, chosen by the people of this borough to serve them.
“I want to begin by thanking everyone who took part in what was an intense, democratic process, those who voted for us and those who did not because from today we are not here to represent one group or one perspective but to serve the whole of Lewisham.”
He added: “It means working across this chamber with respect for the democratic mandate of every elected member and in partnership with our officers and staff whose commitment and professionalism deliver the essential services that residents rely upon every day.”
The following councillors have been chosen as cabinet members, and will each be responsible for a portfolio:
- Cllr Ade Adewunmi, Cabinet Member for Strategy, Performance and Digital Transformation
- Cllr Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery
- Cllr Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services
- Cllr Rotimi Skyers, Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture
- Cllr Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
- Cllr Hau-Yu Tam, Cabinet Member for Communities, Sanctuary and Healing
- Cllr Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills
- Cllr Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action
Mayor Shrivastava went on to pay tribute to councillors who are no longer serving but gave years of service to Lewisham as well as his mayoral opponent, Amanda De Ryk and his predecessor, Baroness Brenda Dacres and the outgoing cabinet.
He added: “I also want to congratulate returning councillors on your re-election and I’m also really excited for the 40 plus new councillors that are taking up office this year.
“In just the last couple of weeks, you are already demonstrating a new dynamism, a fresh approach to local government and a commitment that is nothing short of remarkable.”
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