LewishamNews

Lewisham’s cabinet reshuffled after two councillors resign

Lewisham council has performed a cabinet reshuffle after the resignation of two members.

Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, confirmed the changes following the resignations of both Cllr Kim Powell, cabinet member for business, jobs and skills, and Cllr Chris Barnham, cabinet member for children and young people.

Cllr Powell has resigned from her post of four years with immediate effect. The council has not disclosed the reason of her resignation.

She will remain a councillor, representing Hither Green. 

Mayor Dacres said: “I’d like to thank Kim for all her work during what has been a crucial time for her portfolio. 

“Under her leadership, 1,100 residents have been supported by Lewisham Works, our free employment service, in its first two years of operation; she has overseen the growth of the Mayor’s Business Awards programme and we have launched our Inclusive Economic Development Strategy.

“Kim also oversaw our extensive programme to support local businesses to recover following the pandemic and has been central to driving our plans forward to revitalise Lewisham with £24million of Levelling Up funding. 

“I wish her all the best and I know that she will continue to serve the residents of Hither Green ward as their local councillor.” 

Mayor Dacres announced that Cllr Ese Erheriene will take over the business, jobs and skills brief. 

Cllr Erheriene has been a councillor for Lee Green since 2022, and a cabinet advisor since 2024.

Mayor Dacres said: “I’m pleased to welcome Ese to the cabinet. 

“With employment and growth so high on the Government’s agenda, this is a really important time for this portfolio and I’m looking forward to working with her to deliver the very best for our residents and businesses.”

Cllr Barnham announced his intention to step down from his role as cabinet member for children and young people after six years. 

He will leave his post after the council’s budget meeting on March 5, but will remain a councillor, representing Crofton Park. 

Mayor Dacres said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Chris, who has dedicated an enormous amount to this role over the last six years. 

“With his passion, commitment and political direction, he has been a driving force in improving outcomes for children, young people and families in Lewisham. 

“Ninety-nine per cent of Lewisham schools are now rated Good or Outstanding, GCSE and A-level results are up, we have opened family hubs across the borough to provide support, advice and guidance, local SEND places have expanded by 300 and our Youth Justice Service is award winning for its pioneering work. 

“Chris has also been central to the council’s successful bid to become one of 10 local authorities to deliver the Families First for Children Pathfinder programme – improving services to help more children stay with their families in safe and loving homes.

“I know that he will continue to serve the residents of Crofton Park ward effectively as their councillor.” 

Cllr Edison Huynh, currently cabinet member for culture and communities, will take over the brief from next month, Mayor Dacres said.

The culture and communities portfolio will be covered jointly by Cllr Edison Huynh, who will keep responsibility for libraries, sports, leisure and culture, and Cllr Sakina Sheikh, who will cover community development, community centres, grants programmes, local assemblies, community wealth building and NCIL. 

Mayor Dacres said: “I’m pleased that Edison and Sakina have agreed to take on these important briefs. 

“They already play key roles in cabinet and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them in their new portfolios.” 

Pictured top: From left, Cllr Kim Powell and Cllr Chris Barnham (Picture: Lewisham council)

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