Cabinet reshuffle at Ealing Council – EALING.NEWS – The Voice of Ealing 7 towns

Labour-led Ealing Council has appointed councilor Blerina Hashani portfolio holder for thriving communities as it announces a reshuffle of roles for other councilors in its cabinet.

Councilor Hashani, who works as a public policy and campaign manager for The British Library, first became a councilor in the May 2022 local elections and is now believed to be the country’s first cabinet member of Kosovar heritage.

Councilor Hashani said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new cabinet member for thriving communities. This exciting portfolio focuses on bringing people together and I look forward to working with colleagues to continue to deliver on our manifesto commitments.”

Councilor Hashani added: “My focus remains on putting the community power that already exists at the heart of each of our seven cities in everything we do, as we do through our Your Voice Your City initiative. I also look forward to delivering on our commitment to well-loved community facilities, including a new leisure center at Gurnell.

“I am especially proud to support our work as a Borough of Sanctuary. We will build on the work that has already been done to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and supported when they arrive in our neighbourhood.”

Council leader Councilor Peter Mason said: “Like many families in our borough who have had to endure and experience the injustice of fleeing war and as a refugee, Councilor Hashani’s experience of asylum from the 1999 Kosovo war will will be invaluable to the council as we continue to build a welcoming, fair and equal London.”

While Councilor Hashani joins the cabinet, Councilor Bassam Mahfouz, who was recently elected as the London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon at the election on 4 May 2024, will stand down as Cabinet Member for Safe and Truly Housing accessible.

Councilor Mahfouz remains a councilor for his Northolt West End ward.

Councilor Mason said: “I want to thank Councilor Mahfouz from the bottom of my heart for his dedication and service to the borough. As a new member of the London Assembly, I wish him every success in supporting the needs of both Ealing and Hillingdon at City Hall.”

With Councilor Mahfouz standing down, it has allowed Ealing Council to move a number of existing cabinet members into different roles.

Councilor Louise Brett becomes Cabinet Member for Safe and Truly Affordable Homes, while Councilor Kamaljit Nagpal, previously Cabinet Member for Fairer Starts, takes on Councilor Brett’s former role as Cabinet Member for Decent Incomes.

Councilor Josh Blacker moves to a fairer start from his former role as cabinet member for adult social care and public health.

Councilor Polly Knewstub moves from thriving communities to a newly titled portfolio called equal and healthy lives, covering adult social care, public health and equality.

New Ealing practice:
Council Leader: Councilor Peter Mason
Deputy Leader and Climate Action: Councilor Deirdre Costigan
Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour: Councilor Jasbir Anand
Inclusive Economy: Councilor Steve Donnelly
Good growth and new homes: Councilor Shital Manro
Decent Living Income: Councilor Kamaljit Nagpal
A fairer start: Councilor Josh Blacker
Safe and truly affordable homes: Councilor Louise Brett
Healthy, Equal Lives: Councilor Polly Knewstub
Thriving Communities: Councilor Blerina Hashani

Councilor Gareth Shaw continues to sit in cabinet as the council’s chief executive