Hackney’s Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden to take post as London’s new deputy mayor for policing

Hackney’s Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden is set to become the capital’s Deputy Mayor for Policing, after being nominated by the new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

The news that Linden would be stepping down came today with Khan’s announcement who will be charged with overseeing police, fire, transport and housing.

Val Shawcross CBE, a London Assembly member for 16 years, will be made Deputy Mayor for Transport and deputy chair of Transport for London, James Murray his Deputy Mayor for Housing, and Fiona Twycross will be Chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).

Linden, Cllr for Hackney Central ward, currently has lead responsibility for crime and community safety, neighbourhood and civic engagement in Hackney.

A former government special adviser, she worked alongside David Blunkett at the Home Office.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “I would like to congratulate Sophie Linden on her nomination as Deputy Mayor for Policing.

“I look forward to meeting and working with Sophie so we can continue the transformation of the Met and keep London one of the safest global cities.”

The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Assembly Policing and Crime Committee on June 9.