Lewisham's first directly-elected Green Mayor, Liam Shrivastava, has announced his cabinet team to drive forward his agenda for the borough. The new mayor revealed the nine-member cabinet during the council's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, marking a historic shift in local governance after the Green Party secured both the mayoralty and council control for the first time.
A New Era for Lewisham
Mayor Shrivastava, who won 40.4 per cent of the vote, defeating Labour's Amanda De Ryk with 34.8 per cent, addressed the council chamber with a message of unity and progress. "We were elected on a mandate for change and hope for our communities," he said. "I am so excited about all of the councillors that have been elected and the cabinet that we have put together to really drive forward our agenda."
The local elections on May 7 resulted in a landslide for the Greens, who secured 39 seats against Labour's 14, ending years of Labour dominance. One seat in Crofton Park remains vacant as Mayor Shrivastava, who also won that ward, cannot hold both positions simultaneously.
Cabinet Portfolios and Members
Each cabinet member oversees a specific portfolio, ranging from housing to climate action. Councillor Rudi Schmidt serves as Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Economic Development. The full cabinet includes:
- Cllr Ade Adewunmi – Strategy, Performance and Digital Transformation
- Cllr Daniel Dream – Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery
- Cllr Natalie Thomas – Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services
- Cllr Rotimi Skyers – Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture
- Cllr Samantha Gardiner – Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
- Cllr Hau-Yu Tam – Communities, Sanctuary and Healing
- Cllr Shireen Asaw – Workers, Business and Skills
- Cllr Corin Ashwell – Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action
Many cabinet members are newly elected councillors, reflecting the fresh mandate. Mayor Shrivastava emphasized collaboration: "It means working across this chamber with respect for the democratic mandate of every elected member and in partnership with our officers and staff."
Tributes and Forward Look
The mayor paid tribute to outgoing councillors, his predecessor Baroness Brenda Dacres, and mayoral opponent Amanda De Ryk. He also welcomed over 40 new councillors, praising their "new dynamism and fresh approach to local government."
With this team, Mayor Shrivastava aims to deliver on his promise of change, focusing on safer homes, youth empowerment, and climate action, among other priorities.
