Meet Southwark Council's top team: Climate activists, trade unionists and rave lovers
One councillor aims "to play a part in defeating the politics of division and hate being promoted by the far right"
Over the last couple of weeks, Southwark Council has been introducing people to its Executive Members on Instagram - and it ain’t pretty.
In the last local elections, Southwark ended up with no party majority and is now run by 29 Labour councillors, 22 Greens and 12 Liberal Democrats, with the council being led by a Green.
What’s interesting is the increasingly ridiculous titles councillors are now given, including the “Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Equalities and Democracy” and “Executive Member for Council Co-ordination and Climate”.
Then we get to the biographies of these people, who list Palestine activism, going to raves and supporting the Latin American community as interests (what happened to representing England and the UK?! Ya know, the country we live in???).
According to Southwark’s website, councillors get an allowance of £15,060, with those who take on extra roles entitled to a “Special Responsibility Allowance”, which can be anything from “£3,453 for roles including deputy leader of the opposition, to £62,365 which is paid to the Leader of the Council.” There are 63 councillors in total.
Anyway, here’s the fabulous team! (I’ve singled out the most striking examples but you can find the full list here and here). Genuinely, I didn’t know which party each councillor represented when I chose my examples from Instagram, but surprise surprise, the nutty ones are mostly Green!
Councillor Eloise Waldon-Day, Executive Member for Council Co-ordination and Climate (Green Party)
“I’ve spent my career working on women’s rights and climate policy, and I’ve been a climate activist in Southwark for many years.
“I believe tackling the climate crisis should make everyday life better too - with cleaner air, warmer homes, more green space, and stronger protection from heat and flooding. We need to cut the emissions driving climate breakdown while helping our communities adapt to the impacts we’re already seeing.”
Councillor James McAsh: Leader of Southwark Council (Green)
“Having been the councillor for Goose Green, in East Dulwich, since 2018, I am now also the first ever Green Leader of Southwark Council.
“Previously, I spent ten years as a primary school teacher in Brixton, and as an active trade unionist.”
Southwark Green Party posted this image about their leader on Instagram:
Councillor George Grime, Deputy Executive Member for Tenant and Leaseholder Services (Green)
“I love Southwark - where I’ve lived for 46 years. I retired recently from a professional career in social housing, mostly in Southwark, and I’m passionate about the contribution that well-managed Council housing can make to people’s lives - providing security, underpinning community, and helping our children to thrive.
“I’m a member of the UVW trade union, support the cause of the Palestinians and aim to play a part in defeating the politics of division and hate being promoted by the far right.”
“Originally from Colombia and living in the UK since 1996, I’ve spent many years championing our diverse communities. Through London’s largest Spanish-language newspaper, I’ve supported the Latin American community and have worked closely with the voluntary and community sector (VCS).
“I am passionate about strengthening Southwark’s VCS, ensuring local businesses and organisations have the support they need to help residents, reduce inequalities and build stronger communities.”
“I’ve been a councillor since 2018, proudly serving the residents of Borough and Bankside - the area I call home.
“My professional background is in the NHS, affordable housing and major regeneration projects.
I’m also Chair of Pride in Southwark and champion LGBTQ+ rights within the council.”
Councillor Janice White, Deputy Executive Member for Culture (Green)
“I represent Dulwich Hill ward, and have lived in Southwark for 30 years. I am proud to run a local communications business working with arts and culture organisations, helping them connect with people and tell their stories.
“As Deputy Executive Member for Culture, I am focused on supporting Southwark’s arts and culture sector to thrive, especially in the face of rising costs and ongoing challenges. I firmly believe every resident has the right to experience great culture, and that our borough’s diversity is also its cultural strength.”
Councillor Suzanne Wise, Deputy Executive Member for Adult Services (Green)
“I have worked in the corporate world for most of my career, often as the first and only woman in the boardroom, and this has fuelled a passion for diversity and inclusion. I have recently retired from that career, and I use all my time and energy to make the world greener, more affordable and fairer.
“As well as my council role I chair a London environmental charity that works to protect and enhance our precious green spaces, and I can be found in our parks often. I am currently halfway through walking London’s Capital Ring.”
Councillor Vanessa Threadgold: Executive Member for Parks and Recreation (Green)
“I am proud to have called Southwark home for 14 years - I am passionate about the green spaces within it and people feeling connected ownership to the place in which they live.
“Previously I founded Cactus City Studio, a feminist music organisation and living wage employer, and worked in resolving disputes at the financial ombudsman. I teach Pilates, am an advocate for functional fitness, and have long been a friend of local parks. I also enjoy raves and taking excellent photographs.”
More:
Newly-appointed Green Party councillor founded The Vagina Museum
This week Hackney Council introduced its new Cabinet since the Green Party took over from Labour.