Labour names its cabinet for Southwark

Southwark Council's Labour group has named the 10 councillors who will form the borough's new cabinet.

The Labour group has decided to re-adopt the cabinet name for the body which has been known as the executive during the eight years that the council has been led by Liberal Democrats.

The new regime will be led by Cllr Peter John, Labour councillor for South Camberwell. His deputy will be Cllr Ian Wingfield (Brunswick Park) who will be responsible for housing in the borough.

The important regeneration portfolio – including big projects such as Elephant & Castle and Canada Water – will be held by Cllr Fiona Colley. She represents Nunhead ward and works at City Hall for Val Shawcross AM and was the chair of Southwark's cross-party overview and scrutiny committee when Labour was in opposition.

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle (Camberwell Green) will look after the health and adult social care portfolio.

The cabinet member for community safety is to be Cllr John Friary (Brunswick Park).
Cllr John Friary – Community Safety

Peckham's Cllr Barrie Hargrove will take on the environment, transport and recycling portfolio.

Cllr Richard Livingstone (Livesey ward) is to be cabinet member for finance and resources

Newly elected Livesey ward councillor Catherine McDonald – until recently a special advisor to employment minister Jim Knight – takes on responsibility for children's services in the borough.

Cllr Abdul Mohamed of Faraday ward will look after equalities, citizenship and communities.

Cabinet responsibility for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics will be held by Cllr Veronica Ward (South Camberwell).

The change of name from executive to cabinet brings Southwark into line with neighbouring Labour-run Lambeth. Greater collaboration between the two boroughs is likely to be on the agenda in the months ahead.