Haringey Lib Dems pick new spokesperson roles

Crouch End councillor Luke Cawley-Harrison won backing from his Lib Dem colleagues to continue as the group’s leader
By Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Lib Dem group leader Luke Cawley-Harrison

Luke Cawley-Harrison will stay on as leader of Haringey Liberal Democrats after winning re-election during the group’s annual general meeting (AGM).

The Crouch End ward councillor said his group was “more determined than ever to be the strong opposition Haringey needs” after gaining the support of his colleagues during the meeting on Monday.

Dawn Barnes, who represents Fortis Green, has been confirmed as deputy leader, while Scott Emery will serve as chief whip. Pippa Connor was re-elected as vice chair of the overview and scrutiny committee, a role she has held for eight years.

Cllr Cawley-Harrison said: “This is a strong team of experienced councillors, who will bring the energy and ideas our borough is crying out for.

“We are more determined than ever to be the strong opposition Haringey needs and will continue to do what Lib Dems do best – work hard all year round for our communities.”

The group meeting came after local elections on 5th May that saw the Lib Dems lose eight seats, leaving them with seven councillors – their lowest number since 2001.

Labour, meanwhile, enjoyed their best set of local election results since 1998, increasing their majority to 43 on a strong night for Sir Keir Starmer’s party across London.

After the election results were announced, Cllr Cawley-Harrison said the Liberal Democrats “got a fantastic reception on the doorstep” and the result was not an “anti-Lib Dem thing” but stemmed from residents making a point “that they do not want this Conservative government”.

The official council appointments will be confirmed during the authority’s AGM on Monday, 23rd May.

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson roles are as follows:

Corporate strategy and finance: Luke Cawley-Harrison

Adults and health: Pippa Connor

Education, youth, families and children: Marsha Isilar-Gosling

Housing and regeneration: Dawn Barnes

Environment and transport: Scott Emery

Council and customer services: Alessandra Rossetti

Crime and communities: Nick da Costa

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