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Kaya Comer-Schwartz (born April 1986) is a British politician who is currently Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime. She was the Leader of Islington Council and the first black leader of Islington.

Early life and career

Kaya Comer-Schwartz was born in Islington. She began her career in the charity sector, working with organizations such as the Centre for Mental Health, Shelter, World Jewish Relief, and The Women's Library. Her early professional experiences led her to pursue social issues and advocacy for vulnerable communities.

Islington Council

Comer-Schwartz's entry into politics began when she was elected to represent the Junction ward on the Islington Council at a by-election 2013. She was re-elected in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

In 2020, she became the first Black Deputy Leader of Islington Council. In her work as Deputy Leader she focussed on welfare improvements for children, young people, and families.

In May 2021, Comer-Schwartz was appointed Leader of Islington Council, becoming the first Black woman to hold this position. Her leadership occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she prioritized the well-being of Islington's residents by overseeing the vaccination of over 150,000 residents, providing laptops for remote learning, and reducing council tax for those in need.

In July 2023, Comer-Schwartz supported Islington Council's recognition of the Irish leader Michael Collins, who lived in Islington in the early 20th Century, noting he was part of broader Irish community contributions to the borough.

Deputy mayor for policing and crime

In October 2024, it was announced that she would resign as council leader to replace Sophie Linden as Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime at London City Hall.

References

1. "Inequality cannot be right, says borough's first black leader". Camden New Journal. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
2. ^ "Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz appointed first Black woman Leader of Islington Council". Voice Online. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
3. "Town Hall leader: 'Racism left me feeling worthless'". Islington Tribune. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
4. "Eddie Nestor, Budget day and Islington in focus, Meet the leader: Islington". BBC. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
5. Zakir-Hussain, Maryam (9 December 2021). "Black History Makers: 'They said I profited from tokenism' – Kaya Comer-Schwartz". Islington Gazette. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
6. Lian, Haibei (23 March 2023). "Islington Labour urges government to support low-income households". Islington Now. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
7. "Council Leader Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz visits Drayton Park School". Parikiaki. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
8. "Islington North Labour Party". Islington North Labour Party. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
9. Colombeau, Joseph (September 2014). "London Borough Council Elections: 22 May 2014" (PDF). London Datastore. Greater London Authority. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
10. Colombeau, Joseph (October 2018). "London Borough Council Elections: 3 May 2018" (PDF). London Datastore. Greater London Authority. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
11. Heywood, Joe; Loftus, Caitlin (March 2023). "London Borough Council Elections: May 2022" (PDF). London Datastore. Greater London Authority. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
12. "Islington Council: Leader of the Council Cllr Richard Watts". Islington Council. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
13. "Councillor details - Councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz". Democracy in Islington. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
14. "Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz is appointed Leader of Islington Council". News In Cyprus. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
15. Bartholomew, Emma (20 May 2021). "Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz takes over as leader of Islington Council". Islington Gazette. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
16. Audley, Fiona. "Plaque unveiled in London honouring Irish revolutionary Michael Collins". The Irish Post. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
17. "Council leader to stand down after getting City Hall job offer". Islington Gazette. 2024-10-11. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
18. "Policing deputy mayor named as Kaya Comer-Schwartz". BBC News. 2024-10-11. Retrieved 2024-10-18.

• Councillors in the London Borough of Islington
• Living people
• 1986 births
• Leaders of local authorities of England
• Alumni of the University of Kent
• Black British women politicians
• Labour Party (UK) councillors
• Women councillors in England