Hello,
Following the re-election of Sadiq Khan as Mayor of London, I’m delighted to confirm my reappointment as a Deputy Mayor.
And while you may have noticed the change in my job title – I’m now Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice – my focus on ensuring London’s diverse communities have a voice in this great city remains stronger than ever.
In this new term, I’m committed to making London a fairer city for all. A city in which everyone – regardless of ethnicity, disability, religion, migration status, gender identity, sexuality, income or age – can thrive. I’m doing this in three key ways:
Firstly, by ensuring London’s advice sector is robust enough to continue providing a lifeline of support to Londoners who need it most. A financially stable advice sector is at the heart of improving life chances for Londoners facing financial hardship, poverty and destitution. I will support the sector so it can continue to help Londoners maximise their incomes, understand their employment rights and access the support and representation they need, regardless of income or immigration status.
Secondly, by addressing inequalities that still hold too many people back. Covid-19 only deepened existing inequalities, disproportionately impacting Disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Londoners. George Floyd’s murder sparked outrage across the globe, highlighting the devastating impact of systemic and institutionalised racism. It is imperative that we at City Hall continue to apply what we've learned from this past year and address the barriers faced by so many at every level.
For me, this means closing London’s ethnicity and disability pay gaps – pushing both for mandatory reporting and the development of clear plans for acting on discrepancies – as well as improving the trust that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities have in institutions across the capital. It means increasing representation of London’s marginalised communities in decision-making that impacts them. Crucially, this work is about building bridges and denouncing the culture war rhetoric that seeks to divide us.
Finally, by championing community voice in shaping London’s recovery from the pandemic. In my role as Chair of London’s social recovery and renewal, I’m committed to working with Londoners and civil society to steer the capital in the direction of becoming a stronger and more equitable city. This means encouraging underrepresented groups to actively participate in decision-making and providing a platform for their experience and expertise.
In what has been an undoubtedly challenging year for us all, I’m excited to look to the future of London. The pandemic hit London’s communities hard and we have a responsibility as decision makers and leaders to drive a recovery that includes everyone. Involving communities directly in the future vision of London is central to what I do - it’s a city that I love and I’m truly humbled to be given the chance to continue supporting London’s communities for a second term.
Thank you,
Debbie.