Mayor Sadiq Khan announces key appointments
The new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced key senior appointments to his top team, including deputy mayors for policing, transport and housing. The five new senior advisors will drive forward the Mayor’s pledges to make the capital a safer city, with a world-class transport network and affordable housing leading to shared prosperity for all Londoners.
Transport
Sadiq Khan intends to appoint Val Shawcross CBE as Deputy Mayor for Transport and Deputy Chair of Transport for London*. Val Shawcross has extensive experience of all issues relating to London’s transport, having served as a London Assembly member for 16 years, including eight years as chair and deputy chair of the London Assembly transport committee.
In addition, the Mayor has announced his intention to secure London’s future transport needs by proposing the appointment of Lord Andrew Adonis as Chair of the Crossrail 2 Board*. Andrew Adonis brings a wealth of experience delivering major London and national transport projects. Lord Adonis will continue his role as chair of the National Infrastructure Commission.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I'm delighted to announce these key appointments to my top team that brings together people with extensive experience and knowledge to help me deliver my manifesto for all Londoners.
"Val Shawcross has unrivalled knowledge of London’s transport issues through her work over 16 years as a London Assembly member. I know this extensive experience makes her the right person to help deliver my plans for a modern, accessible and affordable transport network for everyone.
"As London grows, it is imperative that we plan now for the transport infrastructure London needs for the long-term. So I am delighted to announce my proposal to appoint Andrew Adonis as Chair of Crossrail 2. He will bring vital experience to help ensure Crossrail 2 gets off the ground and is delivered as quickly as possible."
Policing and fire
The Mayor intends to appoint Sophie Linden as Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime**. Sophie Linden is former government special adviser to Lord David Blunkett at the Home Office. She is currently Deputy Mayor of Hackney Council with lead responsibility for crime and community safety, neighbourhood and civic engagement.
Sadiq Khan is also set to appoint Fiona Twycross as Chair, London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA)**. Fiona Twycross, an Assembly Member since 2012, has first-hand knowledge of this brief having served as Vice Chair of LFEPA since July 2013.
"There is nothing more important than keeping London safe. That's why I'm pleased to have Sophie Linden and Fiona Twycross as part of my team. Both have extensive experience in their fields and will help to ensure our police and fire services have the resources they need to protect Londoners and safeguard our city.
Housing
Sadiq Khan is appointing James Murray *** to spearhead his ambitious housing programmes as Deputy Mayor for Housing. James Murray is currently the lead councillor for housing and development at Islington council, a role he has held since 2010, having first been elected in 2006.
"Housing is a top priority and I want all Londoners to be able to buy or rent a decent, affordable home. James Murray comes to City Hall with a strong track record of success, having championed the delivery of innovative housing solutions for years. I know he will be a huge asset to the team as we work towards building the thousands of affordable housing London needs.”
Biographies
Val Shawcross CBE - A former leader of Croydon Council, Val Shawcross served as Lambeth and Southwark’s representative on the London Assembly from 2000 – 2016. Between 2000 and 2008 she chaired the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and for the last eight years she has been the Labour’s transport spokesperson on the Assembly, alternating between being Chair and Deputy Chair of the Assembly Transport Committee.
Lord Adonis – A former journalist and political columnist, Lord Adonis has extensive experience serving in national government including as Minister for Schools from May 2005 until October 2008, Minister of State for Transport from October 2008 until June 2009, and Secretary of State for Transport from June 2009 until May 2010. He recently appointed as founding chair of the new National Infrastructure Commission.
Sophie Linden - Sophie Linden is a former special adviser to David Blunkett at the Home Office. A Hackney councillor since 2006, she is the Deputy Mayor of Hackney Council with lead responsibility for crime and community safety, environmental health and trading standards, equalities, neighbourhood and civic engagement.
Fiona Twycross AM - Fiona Twycross has been a Labour London-wide Assembly Member since 2012 and has sat on the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority since 2012, holding the position of Vice Chair since July 2013. Fiona has also sat on the Assembly’s Economy Committee, Housing Committee, Audit Panel, Health Committee and the Police and Crime Committee.
James Murray - James Murray has been the Executive Member for Housing and Development at Islington Council since 2010, having first been elected in 2006. In 2011, James made Islington the first local authority to reject the government’s plan to raise 'affordable' rents, and launched a major building programme of homes for social rent instead.
* The appointment of Deputy Chair of the TfL Board is subject to a confirmation hearing by the London Assembly. Sadiq Khan will serve as the Chair of the TfL Board.
** The appointment of Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Assembly Policing and Crime Committee. Sophie Linden has announced her intention to stand down from her current role as Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Hackney Council subject to the outcome of this confirmation hearing.
The appointment of Chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority is subject to a confirmation hearing by the London Assembly.
*** James Murray has announced his intention to stand down from his current role as an Islington councillor.
