New leader of Lambeth Council will ‘relentlessly’ focus on tackling poverty and climate justice

By Tallulah Taylor

Councillor Claire Holland was appointed as Leader of Lambeth Council on Wednesday evening (June 2) following the resignation of the previous leader, Cllr Jack Hopkins, in May this year.

She said at the meeting that under her leadership, Lambeth council will “relentlessly” focus on tackling poverty, inequality, poor and insecure housing and violence affecting young people and women.

But she said that her leadership will have climate justice at its very heart.

“ I know that the actions we take today and over the coming months and years will shape what our borough looks like for generations to come and so it will have delivering climate justice at its heart.

“I will be the first council leader in London to explicitly lead on tackling climate change, reflecting the importance that we place on this agenda.”

Cllr Holland’s focus on climate change will build on Lambeth council’s work as the first London borough to declare a climate emergency.

Cllr Holland said: “I am very proud to have elected as the leader of this council, it’s a huge responsibility and a huge honour. Lambeth is a brilliant borough, with thriving communities, rich diversity and major opportunities. There are also huge challenges to address, including child poverty, inequality and violence affecting our communities.

“The Covid-19 pandemic saw the people of this borough pull together and rally round those in need, showing incredible unity and determination.

“As we start our recovery from this crisis we must harness that passion to make sure we can make the biggest possible positive impact.”

Cllr Holland has represented Oval ward since 2014, and has been a legal aid children’s lawyer for more than 20 years.

She was appointed as the Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council in May, 2018 and has also served as the council’s Cabinet lead for Sustainable Transport, Environment and Clean Air since that time.

Lambeth Council’s new Cabinet was also appointed at the meeting, with 12 councillors taking up the 10 posts – with two of the roles being taken on as job shares.

New appointments include Cllr Mahamed Hashi and Cllr Danny Adilypour jointly taking on the Sustainable Transport, Environment & Clean Air portfolio.

All roles are available to view on the council’s website.