Alison Griffin has been appointed as Chief Executive of London Councils, the cross-party organisation which represents the 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation. She will take up her role in July.
Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils and Leader of Camden Council, says:
‘The pandemic has demonstrated the vital role of local government in supporting our communities, residents and businesses. Boroughs have worked with communities to distribute food, support businesses and protect communities and come together across parties to respond to London-wide challenges. London Councils has played a crucial role in supporting boroughs and as we look forward we want to bring that same spirit of collaboration to addressing the big challenges we face, from rising poverty and unemployment to the climate crisis.
‘Alison brings with her a passion for community engagement, a deep understanding of local government finance and experience of collaboration that will enable London Councils to build on what has been learned over the past year and provide even stronger support to the boroughs in the years to come. I am very excited that Alison will be leading London Councils into the future and help us deliver for our great, diverse city.'
Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Vice Chair of London Councils and Leader of Bexley Council, says:
‘I am very happy that we have been able to appoint Alison. As London faces the challenges and opportunities of the future, London Councils’ role in supporting the boroughs in working together and lobbying for the resources and freedoms to do the best possible job for residents and local businesses is more important than ever. Alison is the perfect person to lead the organisation at this challenging and exciting time.’
Cllr Ruth Dombey OBE, Vice Chair of London Councils and Leader of Sutton Council, says:
‘London faces numerous challenges over the coming years, from rebuilding our local economies and high streets and supporting those communities most impacted by the pandemic to tackling climate change. London boroughs will need the support of London Councils in rising to these challenges so I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Alison to lead the organisation.’
Catherine McGuinness, Vice Chair of London Councils and Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee at the City of London Corporation, says:
‘London’s boroughs are a vital part of the capital’s success and will play a leading role in supporting the whole city to recover from the pandemic - and in tackling key issues including climate change. London Councils has an important role in enabling the boroughs to work together for the benefit of all Londoners and it is heartening that we have been able to attract someone of Alison’s experience and calibre to lead the organisation into the future.’
Alison Griffin, Chief Executive Designate, London Councils says:
‘I’m very excited to be joining London Councils. I am looking forward to working with the boroughs and partners in central Government, the GLA and all London’s public services as well as the business and voluntary sectors to ensure that London and Londoners are able to recover from the pandemic, tackle the big issues such as climate change and seize the opportunities of the future.’
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Alison Griffin will take up her role at London Councils in July 2021. Dick Sorabji, deputy Chief Executive, London Councils, will be acting Chief Executive in the interim.
Biography:
Alison Griffin joined Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as Chief Executive in July 2017, having been director of finance and corporate services at the London Borough of Bexley. Alison was instrumental in developing Southend 2050, the resident and stakeholder led ambition for the Borough, which was approved in December 2018.
Alison’s appointment comes after London Councils’ current Chief Executive, John O’Brien, announced in September 2020 that he would be leaving the organisation after 14 years at the helm. The post was advertised in February and the appointment was made by a panel comprised of the Leaders of the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups on London Councils with the Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee at the City of London Corporation.