LOCAL ELECTIONS 2010: New Labour council - leader Catherine West: 'I hope I'm up to it' - regime makes fairness and affordable housing top priorities

Published: 21 May 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB

LABOUR’S Catherine West officially took over as council leader on Tuesday with a vow to make Islington a fairer place.

Top of her “to-do” list is a promise to create a Fairness Commission to guide councillors through the next few years.

Cllr West laid out her pledges at the first full council meeting, adding: “I hope I’m up to the task.”

She said the May 6 election result was a message from voters who want more housing and a fairer, safer Islington.

Cllr West said: “When developers come to us for approval, we will demand more affordable housing. 

“You don’t need to earn in excess of £75,000 to live in Islington. We want a modest community where people on modest incomes can call Islington their home.”

She said the Fairness Commission – a panel of experts – would become the engine room that will keep councillors armed with the best advice, adding: “Our first step will be a Citizens Advice Bureau led by Councillor Richard Greening later in the year.”

Education chief Councillor Richard Watts, proposing Cllr West as leader, said: “Under Catherine’s leadership, things started to happen. First, Joan Coupland joined us, then we won Islington South in a by-election. 

“Now, not only have we massively increased Jeremy Corbyn’s and Emily Thornberry’s majorities but we’re in a position to take control of this authority, to make Islington fairer.”

He warned that cuts in government funding were imminent, but said: “Our challenge is to manage these cuts in a way that protects residents who need our help most.” 

Labour’s “moral crusade” was to give everyone in Islington a decent home, he said.

Former Lib Dem council leader Councillor Terry Stacy wished Cllr West well and urged her to enjoy the next four years, before adding: “Don’t leave the council in the mess we found it in when we took over.”