Chief Executive Linzi Roberts-Egan to leave Islington this summer

Linzi joined Islington in 2019, and has led the council through the Covid-19 pandemic and championed work to tackle inequality across the borough, with the goal of creating a more equal Islington. 

During the pandemic, she chaired daily crisis response meetings to keep vital services running, from child protection to refuse collection; to bring food and support to vulnerable residents; and to keep residents and staff safe. 

Since joining Islington, Linzi has also led changes to focus the borough clearly on its core mission – creating a more equal Islington.   

This includes work to build hundreds of new council homes; challenging inequality, including innovative work to improve mental health support for young Black men; and a new focus on putting residents at the centre of how the council designs and runs services. 

Linzi will take up a new role this summer as Chief Executive of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. 

Linzi said: “The biggest pleasure of my time in Islington has been connecting with our incredible residents and with everyone in Islington who works so hard to improve our borough, from our street sweepers to our children’s and adult’s social workers who support people in need every day. 

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, under incredible pressure, we saw the absolute best of Islington as so many people – residents and staff alike – led the way to support our communities, and get help to the people who needed it most. 

“Together, we have made great strides in tackling inequality, from building badly needed new council homes to challenging inequality and injustice, and prioritising early help and support for families and young people. 

“For me, while it is now time to take on a new challenge, it has been my honour to have served our residents.  Islington is a wonderful and thriving borough, and will always be in my heart.” 

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Leader of Islington Council, said: “Linzi has been a tireless champion for our borough, working with the Council’s Executive to deliver community-focused services throughout her time in Islington.  

“She led our response to the pandemic, supporting our staff to help local people during the scariest of times, and worked alongside us in developing our mission to tackle inequality, rooted in the lived experiences of our communities. Many people have seen first-hand Linzi’s commitment to improving the lives of our residents and her passion for public service. 

“I would like to thank Linzi for her years of service to Islington, and for the support she has provided me and my Executive since I became Leader in 2021.” 

The council will put in place interim arrangements in the coming weeks, as it recruits its next permanent Chief Executive.