Cllr Holland said: “I am very proud to have elected as the leader of this council, it’s a huge responsibility and a huge honour. Lambeth is a brilliant borough, with thriving communities, rich diversity and major opportunities. There are also huge challenges to address, including child poverty, inequality and violence affecting our communities.
“The Covid-19 pandemic saw the people of this borough pull together and rally round those in need, showing incredible unity and determination. As we start our recovery from this crisis we must harness that passion to make sure we can make the biggest possible positive impact.
“Under my leadership, Lambeth will be relentlessly focused on tackling poverty, inequality, poor and insecure housing and violence affecting young people and women and girls. But I know that the actions we take today and over the coming months and years will shape what our borough looks like for generations to come and so it will have delivering climate justice at its heart. I will be the first council leader in London to explicitly lead on tackling climate change, reflecting the importance that we place on this agenda.”
Cllr Holland has represented Oval ward since 2014, and has been a legal aid children’s lawyer for more than 20 years. She was appointed as the Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council in May, 2018 and has also served as the council’s Cabinet lead for Sustainable Transport, Environment and Clean Air since that time.
Cllr Holland term as leader will continue until the Local Government Elections in May 2022. Her appointment follows the resignation of the previous leader, Cllr Jack Hopkins, in May this year.
At the meeting Lambeth Council’s new Cabinet was also appointed, with 12 councillors taking up the 10 posts – with two of the roles being taken on as job shares. New appointments include Cllr Mahamed Hashi and Cllr Danny Adilypour jointly taking on the Sustainable Transport, Environment & Clean Air portfolio.
Cllr Lucy Caldicott joins Cabinet for the first time in a job share role with Cllr Jim Dickson as joint Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.
Cllr Jess Leigh will also join the administration as Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing of Young People. All roles are available to view on the council’s website.
