Outgoing leader makes statement as three-year term nears end

Joseph Ejiofor says serving Haringey has been the “honour of my life”, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

The outgoing leader of Haringey Council said it had been the honour of his life to lead the borough and wished his successor well.

Joseph Ejiofor said he was “immensely proud” of the council’s achievements during his three years at the helm and claimed it had made “huge progress in tacking poverty and inequality.”

It comes after Peray Ahmet became new Haringey Labour leader, winning a majority of votes from party members during a meeting on Monday.

Cllr Ahmet, who represents Noel Park and is a former cabinet member for adults and health, is set to become the new council leader during a meeting later this month.

Cllr Ejiofor said: “It has been the honour of my life to serve as the leader of our great borough for the past three years. I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved during this time: building a fairer Haringey and tackling the issues that matter most to local people.

“Delivering change takes time, and I’m disappointed that I won’t see the fruition of some of the ambitious changes we have made.

“From a standing start, work to deliver 1,000 new council homes at council rents is now well underway, and our housing delivery team is up for a nationally recognised award.

“We have made huge progress addressing poverty and inequality in the borough through expanding eligibility for free school meals, making council taxation fairer, becoming a Living Wage employer and helping residents access the benefits they’re entitled to.

“We have brought public services back in house so that residents own what they pay for, made our council and our borough greener, invested in young people with youth hubs, a new university bursary scheme, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

“With the backdrop of austerity, Brexit, and Covid-19, these achievements have been hard won. I believe that my time as leader of Haringey Council is proof that progressive policies remain a necessity and can be implemented even in the most difficult circumstances.

“I know that Cllr Ahmet is keen to take on this role, and I wish her well.”