Cllr Sarah King is the new Leader of Southwark Council following her election at Council Assembly tonight (Wednesday 9 July).
She has set out her commitment to make sure local people get the help and services they need, and to build trust between local communities and the council.
She said:
“It is a huge honour to be elected Leader of our amazing borough.
“We have a brilliant borough, but too many people here still face deep inequality and challenges to living good lives.
“As Leader I’m determined to make sure the council is here for our residents – listening and responding to the changing needs of the community, providing services when and where they are needed.
“Alongside my fantastic Cabinet colleagues I will put trust at the heart of our relationship with local people as we listen to communities and work to help and support them.”
Cllr King is the first woman Leader of Southwark Council since 2002, and previously served as Cabinet Member for Council Homes.
She has been a councillor since 2010 and is a ward councillor for Champion Hill.
Her election as Leader comes after Cllr Kieron Williams announced last month he would stand down after five years as Leader.