Lambeth elects first ever Green leader and moves to ‘cabinet committee’ model

Lambeth has elected its first ever Green leader at a reconvened annual council meeting at the Town Hall in Brixton.

Martin Abrams, councillor for Streatham Hill East, was elected to lead the council, and Ciara Alleyne and Natalie Kane were elected co-deputy leaders.

Abrams has named his cabinet, with ten councillors covering nine remits between them:

• Natalie Kane.
• Ciara Alleyne.
• Pete Elliott.
• Scott Ainslie.
• Zvikomborero Chihoro.
• Michael Chessum.
• Jeremy Isaacs.
• Sam Dorney-Smith.
• Alice Weavers.
• Jonathan Bartley.

The Greens had been moving to implement a committee system of governance. This would have scrapped the executive model in favour of cross-party committees which would have set policy. However, the move became untenable due to central government’s move to effectively ban the model.

Instead, Lambeth’s annual council meeting approved plans brought forward by the Green group to move towards a hybrid cabinet committee model under the existing system, with committees operating to provide beefed up scrutiny and allowing for more cross-party working.

Officers have been tasked with drawing up amendments to the borough’s constitution, which, alongside moving to the cabinet committee model, will also reverse the ban, introduced by Labour last year, on discussing motions relating to issues such as Gaza.

Abrams, leader of Lambeth Council, said:

I am deeply honoured to have been elected as the first ever Green leader of Lambeth. This is a historic moment, and I would like to thank my council colleagues, everyone who campaigned for us, and every voter who put their faith in us.

Lambeth is one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the world, with deep roots in the struggle for social, racial and environmental justice. We will be true to that heritage.

Everyone in this borough deserves a decent, affordable home, a thriving environment, and a fulfilled and happy life. My administration will work every day to achieve that.

Chihoro, councillor for Brixton Rush Common, said:

Lambeth Greens are proud to have led the way in moving the council to a more democratic and effective model of governance.

Under Labour, one party dominated every aspect of the council, with weak scrutiny functions leading to poor decisions which harmed residents and wasted resources.

The cabinet committee model is tried and tested, and we will welcome the enhanced opportunities for scrutiny and cooperation that it will bring.

Featured image via Getty Images