New council chief executive promises to deliver ‘a fairer Islington’

Victoria Lawson, Islington’s new chief executive. Photograph: Islington Council

Islington Council’s new chief executive is set to spearhead its response to the climate emergency.

Victoria Lawson joins from Hounslow, where she is director of environment, culture and customer services, and in charge of 400 staff and a budget of £80m.

She was selected from a shortlist of four candidates by Islington’s appointments panel.

She is also the chair of the London Environment Directors’ Network.

Islington is among six London boroughs thought to be most at risk of some of the worst effects of climate change, including flash flooding and extreme heat.

Lawson said she has expertise in “leading and managing significant change”.

Her previous roles include heading up the customer services and policy department at Sutton Council.

She also worked at the Ministry of Defence and Bolton Council.

Lawson will replace Linzi Roberts-Egan, who is taking the top job at Waltham Forest after nearly four years as Islington’s chief executive.

Islington Council’s leader, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, told colleagues: “Victoria has a strong and impressive CV.”

She added: “When she was interviewed, she showed a strong commitment to our council priorities and our corporate plan, Islington Together 2030.

“We want to continue delivering high quality services to local people, creating a cleaner, greener and safer borough and making Islington a more equal place.”

Lawson said: “Islington is a fantastic borough and I’m excited to work with councillors, partners, the community, and all colleagues in the council to deliver on Islington’s missions to create a fairer Islington for everyone who visits, works here, or calls the borough home.”