Cllr Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council and previously Deputy Chair of London Councils, was formally elected as Chair at London Councils’ Leaders’ Committee yesterday, 13th October.

The Leaders Committee also agreed a number of new Executive Committee portfolios and chairs of Transport and Environment and Grants Committee. Full details here.

Nine out of 10 Londoners that agreed the capital’s air quality changed during lockdown thought this was a positive change, and there is increasing awareness that air pollution must be dealt with, new polling commissioned by London Councils reveals.

In the fifth year of research to gauge Londoners’ understanding of air quality and its effect on their lives, published last week on on Clean Air Day 2020, almost half of respondents this year (43%) feel that their health had been impacted by London’s air quality and a similar proportion (48%) say that air pollution concerns affect decisions in their day to day lives, particularly for parents and people who cycle.

Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “London’s air quality continues to be a major public health issue. It is imperative we listen to Londoners and do not emerge from the Coronavirus public health crisis only to face a different crisis resulting from London’s toxic air pollution.”

The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Cllr Alambritis has been awarded an MBE for services to Local Government in South London.

The Chair of London Councils, Councillor Peter John, said: “This is a worthy recognition for Stephen’s brilliant work as Leader of Merton Council. Stephen has been a strong advocate for his borough and for London over the past decade and I am delighted that he has been honoured by the Queen.”