Hackney’s health chief quitting to concentrate on HIV charity role

Hackney’s health chief is stepping down from the council next year to concenrate on his role as chair of a national HIV charity.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, who elected in 2004 and has spent eight years in the cabinet, told Labour members earlier this month that he would not running in next year’s local elections.

But he will remain in his role as cabinet member for health, social care and devolution until polling day next May.

He said: “It’s been an enormous privilege to serve the residents of Hackney for so many years.

“I’ve been lucky to work with people and organisations that are making a huge difference to the lives of people across our borough and to play a part in some of the really positive changes that have taken place.

“It’s been a tough decision but now feels like the right time to consider other opportunities.

“I’ve recently become the chair of the Terrence Higgins Trust and I want to be able to devote more time to such an important role.

“I’m passionate about ensuring everyone has the chance to lead a healthy, happy life and want to continue to work towards that in whatever I do next.”

He said it would be business as usual until May adding there was a lot of work to do between now and then.

“There’s so much in the pipe line regarding changes to health, as well as huge pressures on adult social care, so I will remain very much part of the cabinet until May,” he said.

Mayor Phil Glanville paid tribute to Cllr McShane for helping guide the council through some of the “most significant and complex changes” to the roles of local authorities.

He said: “From the growing demands on adult social care - and shrinking budgets from central government – to the huge changes in public health and the way the wider NHS is governed, he’s worked tirelessly to get the best deal for Hackney, and his work has made a real difference to the lives of our residents.

“We’ll be very sorry to see him go and I wish him well for the future.”