Cllr Jacqui Dyer, the council’s joint Cabinet Member for Digital, Data and Resident Experience, announced her decision today (Oct 6), citing personal health reasons, caring responsibilities, and the need to prioritise her remaining work commitments. She has been a Cabinet member for the last seven years, having previously served as vice-chair of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.
Cllr Dyer has been a leading advocate for improving mental health services, especially for racialised communities, both in Lambeth and beyond, gaining a national profile for her insights, expertise and dedication. In 2017, she was honoured with an MBE from The Prince of Wales for her work with the NHS Mental Health Task Force. Additionally, The University of Huddersfield awarded Cllr Dyer an Honorary Doctorate in 2018 for her services to mental health.
Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “Jacqui has been a hugely important advocate for improving equality in mental health services, talking openly and honestly about how the challenges she faced personally have informed her work and advocacy on behalf of others.
“I am disappointed that she will no longer be a member of Cabinet but recognise and appreciate why she has taken this difficult decision. This will also be sad news for our communities who have looked to her for valuable representation and advocacy, especially when it comes to improving mental health services and meeting the needs for our Black communities who have been let down by services far too often.
“The range of work she has undertaken in Lambeth and beyond is huge, reaching across the NHS, Government and the voluntary and community sector and has helped to make a real difference to many people’s lives.”
Cllr Dyer said: “I am sad to stand down from Cabinet where I have hugely enjoyed working across a range of roles to improve council services for Lambeth residents. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Lambeth. In particular, I am proud of the council’s work to champion equity and justice across all services – from reducing health inequalities to our pioneering public health approach to tackling youth violence.
“I have valued working with excellent local community organisations and partners, from our employment and skills partnership boosting opportunities for young people to making Lambeth a leader in tackling violence against women and girls. I am grateful for all the support from everyone at Lambeth Council, from our residents and for the opportunity to have served our fantastic borough.”
Cllr Fred Cowell, who previously shared the Cabinet Members for Digital, Data and Resident Experience role with Cllr Dyer will now hold the post full time. A second Lambeth Council Cabinet change from today will see Cllr Judith Cavanagh cover as Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Finance while Cllr David Amos, who previously held the role, recovers from illness.
