Councillors celebrate Jewish election success at packed reception

Around 50 Jewish councillors from across London have attended an event aimed at encouraging communication and cooperation between elected representatives across political divides.

The reception at the Jewish Museum last Sunday saw recently elected councillors and around 20 senior communal leaders hear speeches from the likes of Camden Council’s Labour leader Georgia Gould and Conservative Deputy Leader of Harrow Council Marilyn Ashton.

Addressing councillors at the event, co-chair of London Jewish Forum Adrian Cohen spoke of the “wonderful increase in the number of Jewish councillors in London” since May’s local elections.

He added “To have over 90 Jewish councillors in London is testament to the brilliant contribution the Jewish community make to our city”. 

It followed widespread success for Jewish councillors at the local elections in May.

Notable attendees also included Leader of Islington Council Kaya Comer-Schwartz, and Deputy Leader of Harrow Council Marilyn Ashton, along with Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham.

Camden’s leader Gould praised the London Jewish Forum “for all the support it gives us as Jewish councillors, giving us the tools to support the community”.  

She also spoke about the antisemitism faced by two Jewish Labour candidates in Camden’s recent elections, which showed the need to “stand together as a community”.  

Harrow Council’ Ashton also told of her “pride in having six Jewish councillors in Harrow”.

LJF’s co-Chair Andrew Gilbert was warmly applauded after stressing the need for co-delivery and co-production between communal organisations and local authorities.  

Daniel Kosky, Director of the LJF added: “We were so pleased to bring together Jewish councillors from across London to network with each other and communal leaders, discuss the issues we face as a community, and plan for the future. It was great to see so many newly elected Jewish councillors, and we look forward to supporting them in their roles for the benefit of the Jewish community”.