Seven councillors have formally filled in their nomination papers to become the next leader of the council, as the race for Southwark’s top job heats up.
Cllrs James McAsh (Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets & Waste), Evelyn Akoto (Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing), and Sarah King (Cabinet Member for Council Homes) have emerged as favourites in the contest to replace former leader Cllr Kieron Williams, who announced his resignation earlier this month.
As predicted by the News last week, the three frontrunners were joined by Deputy Leader Jasmine Ali, finance lead Stephanie Cryan and Cllr Victoria Mills in putting themselves forward for the position.
However, there was also an unexpected last minute application from Suzanne Abachor, councillor for Camberwell Green.
The Labour Group will decide on its new leader during a closed-door meeting on 30 June. Their choice will then be put to Southwark’s Council Assembly on Wednesday, 9 July for a vote.
Cllr Kieron Williams announced earlier this month his intention to resign as leader of the council. In his statement, which came as a shock to many in the council, Cllr Williams said: “Now is the right moment for me to step back and hand over the reins to a new leader who can bring renewed energy.”
McAsh previously challenged Williams last summer, losing out by only a handful of votes, so may feel he can secure the votes this time, although there will also be consideration given to the fact that there hasn’t been a woman in the top job for 23 years, since Stephanie Elsy was Council Leader. Akoto and King are both thought to be well regarded in the group and will also feel confident about their chances.
It is understood that Labour councillors will be asked to vote by selecting their preferences from one to seven, which could open the doors to a candidate securing the position, even if they aren’t the majority first choice candidate.
