Kaya Comer-Schwartz

Kaya Comer-Schwartz is a British politician who currently serves as the Leader of Islington Council.[1] She is the first black leader of Islington.[2][3]

Kaya Comer-Schwartz
Leader of Islington Council
Assumed office
May 2021
Preceded byCllr Richard Watts
ConstituencyJunction ward
Personal details
BornIslington, London
NationalityBritish
Political partyLabour Party (UK)
ResidenceIslington, London
OccupationPolitician

Early life and career

Kaya Comer-Schwartz was born in Islington.[4] She began her career in the charity sector, working with organizations such as the Centre for Mental Health, Shelter, World Jewish Relief, and The Women's Library. Her early professional experiences led her to pursue social issues and advocacy for vulnerable communities.[5][6][7]

Political career

Comer-Schwartz's entry into politics began when elected to represent the Junction ward on the Islington Council in 2013.[8]

In 2020, she became the first Black Deputy Leader of Islington Council.[3] In her work as Deputy Leader she focussed on welfare improvements for children, young people, and families.[9]

In May 2021, Comer-Schwartz was appointed Leader of Islington Council, becoming the first Black woman to hold this position.[10][11] Her leadership occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she prioritized the well-being of Islington's residents by overseeing the vaccination of over 150,000 residents, providing laptops for remote learning, and reducing council tax for those in need.[12]

In July 2023, Comer-Schwartz supported Islington Council's recognition of the Irish leader Michael Collins, who lived in Islington in the early 20th Century, noting he was part of broader Irish community contributions to the borough.[13]

References
  1. "Town Hall leader: 'Racism left me feeling worthless'". Islington Tribune. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  2. "Inequality cannot be right, says borough's first black leader". Camden New Journal. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  3. "Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz appointed first Black woman Leader of Islington Council". Voice Online. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  4. "Eddie Nestor, Budget day and Islington in focus, Meet the leader: Islington". BBC. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  5. Zakir-Hussain, Maryam (9 December 2021). "Black History Makers: 'They said I profited from tokenism' – Kaya Comer-Schwartz". Islington Gazette. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  6. Lian, Haibei (23 March 2023). "Islington Labour urges government to support low-income households". Islington Now. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  7. "Council Leader Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz visits Drayton Park School". Parikiaki. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  8. "Islington North Labour Party". Islington North Labour Party. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  9. "Islington Council: Leader of the Council Cllr Richard Watts". Islington Council. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  10. "Councillor details - Councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz". Democracy in Islington. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  11. "Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz is appointed Leader of Islington Council". News In Cyprus. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  12. Bartholomew, Emma (20 May 2021). "Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz takes over as leader of Islington Council". Islington Gazette. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  13. Audley, Fiona. "Plaque unveiled in London honouring Irish revolutionary Michael Collins". The Irish Post. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
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