Islington Labour councillor, James Murray, has been appointed by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, as the new Deputy Mayor for Housing. 

An Islington councillor for Barnsbury ward since 2006, Cllr Murray has been the Executive Member for Housing and Development at Islington Council since 2010. In that time the council has delivered almost 10,000 new homes in the borough, with nearly 50% of homes on eligible sites in the last three years being affordable, and with the largest council house building programme in a generation. 

Commenting on the appointment of James Murray as the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Leader of Islington Council, Cllr Richard Watts said -; 

“Sadiq Khan’s appointment of James Murray as his Deputy Mayor for Housing will mean London has someone supporting the Mayor that knows first-hand how to tackle the housing crisis facing London.

“James has been a crucial member of the Council Executive, spearheading much of the pioneering work this Labour administration has undertaken to build the most council homes in a generation. He has also been key in taking on rogue landlords, making sure local people have priority for new housing, and driving forward improvements to council housing.

“James’s appointment is also great news for Islington. Not only is it a ringing endorsement of the housing policies the council has pursued, but it will mean that we will have both a Deputy Mayor for Housing and a London Mayor that are on side the of working people in Islington.”

James Murray said -;

“It’s the most amazing honour to be offered this position; a chance to work with Sadiq and his team to make London a fairer place to live.

“It has been a privilege to serve on Islington Council with such dedicated fellow councillors and officers, and I’m proud of the difference we have made on the key issue of providing more affordable homes for local residents. I know Islington will continue to deliver on this vital issue, and I look forward to working alongside the council and others in my new role at City Hall.

“I would also like to say just what a privilege it has been to represent Barnsbury since 2006, alongside my colleagues and friends Cllr Hamitouche and Cllr Chowdhury. I’d like to sincerely thank the people of Barnsbury for putting their trust in me to be their councillor for the last decade.”

Pictured: James Murray with Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at the Brunswick Estate in Clerkenwell during the election campaign.