Cllr Rowena Champion confirmed in new role in Islington Council’s Executive

The appointment was made by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Richard Watts, today (Friday 13^th December) with Cllr Champion taking up her new role with immediate effect. The appointment follows the stepping-down of Cllr Claudia Webbe from her executive role after being elected as Member of Parliament for the Leicester East constituency.

Commenting on her appointment to the Executive, Cllr Champion said:

“I am thrilled to be taking on this important role at such a crucial time. Islington’s environment – from our wonderful parks, to the air we breathe – is incredibly important to me and I am excited to be given the opportunity to play a role in furthering the Council’s excellent work.

“This role is responsible for many essential services that local people rely on – from refuse and recycling collections, to street cleaning and parking services – and I am looking forward to working with the dedicated Council staff who work so hard to provide vital everyday services for local people and to keep Islington looking its best.

“I thank Cllr Webbe for all she has done as the Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport. In addition to her efforts in tackling fuel poverty and improving frontline services, such as street cleaning, Claudia has led pioneering initiatives that mean that Islington is at the forefront of tackling the environment and climate emergency. From spearheading campaigns to secure Transport for London funding to make walking and cycling easier and safer across the borough, to overseeing the removal of dangerous gyratories across the borough, Claudia will be a tough act to follow, but I am relishing the challenge"

Cllr Champion was first elected as a councillor for Barnsbury Ward in 2016 and was re-elected in 2018. Until her appointment to the Executive, Cllr Champion served as the Chair of Islington Council’s Policy and Performance Scrutiny Committee, and was previously Chair of the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

Before becoming a councillor, Cllr Champion was a civil engineer and worked on a range of projects, from the refurbishment of Richmond railway bridge and the courtyard of the Victoria & Albert Museum. She then retrained as a barrister, focusing on family law and a wide range of civil litigation. Since becoming a local councillor, Cllr Champion has continued her involvement in local community initiatives, including the regeneration of Barnard Park, and is a strong supporter of local Friends of Parks groups.

ENDS