Ealing Council has announced a new cabinet following the local elections, which resulted in several senior councillors losing their seats. The Liberal Democrat opposition, now significantly strengthened, has also unveiled a shadow cabinet. Although Labour maintained its hold on the council, it lost a total of ten seats, including three cabinet members and a chief whip.
Key Appointments in the New Cabinet
Councillor Peter Mason remains the Leader of the Council, with Councillor Louise Brett continuing as his deputy. Blerina Hashani, previously the Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, has taken over the Fairer Start portfolio from Josh Blacker, who did not seek re-election. Hashani will oversee the ongoing legal challenge against the closure of ten children's centres in the borough.
Shital Manro, who served as Cabinet Member for Good Growth, lost his re-election bid to the Conservatives and has been replaced by Councillor Monica Hamidi. Councillor Paul Driscoll has moved from climate action to become Cabinet Member for Healthy Equal Lives, succeeding Polly Knewstubb, who lost her seat to the Greens in Hanwell Broadway.
Councillor Dominic Moffit, previously a backbencher, has been promoted to Cabinet Member for Climate Action. Councillor Jasbir Anand has been elevated to Cabinet Member for Tackling Crime and Antisocial Behaviour.
Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Peter Mason, stated: "Over the next four years, our focus is on delivering the things residents have told us matter most to them. Whether that is thousands more genuinely affordable homes, tens of thousands of extra jobs, more trees and parks, better roads and pavements, great schools, and transformed social care, our track record of delivering on the promises we make has been, and will continue to be, the hallmark of how we go about our business. We will continue to ensure we run our council with ruthless efficiency, keeping council tax as low as possible while investing in the things that matter most."
Liberal Democrats Shadow Cabinet
Councillor Gary Malcolm announced a full shadow cabinet after the Liberal Democrats gained seven councillors in the elections. The shadow cabinet includes Councillor John Ball for Planning, Licensing, and Regeneration, also serving as Whip and Deputy Leader; Councillor Jonathan Oxley on Finance; and Councillor Mark Sanders for Honesty and Accountability.
New councillor Adam Keenan will speak on children's services, Councillor Steed on adult services, and Councillor Busuttil on transport. Councillor Athena Zissimos will manage an environment and crime portfolio, with Councillor Hersch covering culture, sport, and communities.
Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats, commented: "The people of Ealing have voted decisively for a strengthened Liberal Democrat opposition as they are fed up of paying an ever-increasing council tax bill in the worst standard of living crisis for over 60 years. Ealing Labour seems unable to get the basics right – wanting to close ten children's centres and two adult day centres for vulnerable residents and presiding over an unkempt, rubbish-strewn environment with deteriorating high streets including many empty shops. We believe it is important to hold Ealing Council to account and encourage delivery through partnership working so that all residents can be proud of the borough we call home."
