Councillor Richard Olszewski has been appointed as leader of Camden Council, after his predecessor Georgia Gould stood down when she was elected as MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale.
“It’s such a huge privilege to be council leader in the borough I’ve called home for more than 30 years”, said Olszewski who was chosen by the Labour group on Sunday ahead of being formally elected at Monday’s meeting of the full council.
“I’m looking forward to working together with Camden communities, partners, councillors and officers to provide the very best opportunities to our residents.”
“As you can tell I’m not Camden born and bred,” he said.
“There’s much said of Camden’s rebellious spirit. I come from a Polish family, which means it’s endemic in you to rebel and then I grew up in Scotland — that adds a little spice on top.”
He said Camden was a “remarkable borough to have the chance to lead”.
Olszewski was first elected to represent Regent’s Park ward in the 1990s but left to work as a special adviser to Lord John Reid — a home secretary in Tony Blair’s government.
In his second stint on the council Olszewski has been the member for Fortune Green ward since 2014 and held, until this week, the role of cabinet member for finance and cost of living.
The new leader said he is specifically committed to “building more quality social and affordable housing”, “ensuing residents have access to high-quality apprenticeships”, and “supporting residents to live active and healthy lives”.
He also said he is committed to tackling climate change on a “local level”.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Olszewski said he was “thrilled and excited” to be appointed leader, “just as we have a new [Labour] government working with us, not against us”.
He also paid tribute to the three ex-Camden councillors who now sit in parliament: Georgia Gould, Danny Beales and Lloyd Hatton.
Olszewski said he “didn’t want to rush” in making appointments to his cabinet.
Three by-elections will take place — at a date yet to be set — to replace outgoing Labour councillors Georgia Gould, Danny Beales and Lloyd Hatton, in Kentish Town North, Camden Square and Kilburn wards.
Camden Council, full council, Monday, 22 July 2024. Agenda. Webcast.
Discover more from The Fitzrovia News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
