Hackney mayor Jules Pipe will step down next month, with his deputy and housing boss Cllr Philip Glanville taking over until a by-election in September.
The Gazette revealed yesterday that Mayor Pipe had been appointed Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor for planning and would resign ahead of his move to City Hall.
He has been involved in Hackney politics for 20 years and mayor since 2002.
Announcing his resignation, he said: “This is an amazing opportunity to serve our city, but the decision to leave was not an easy one to make.
“It’s been an enormous privilege to serve the residents of Hackney for two decades and I’m proud of everything the council has achieved; the transformation of our schools, the clean streets, the new homes, a decade of frozen council tax, award-winning services, making a difference to the lives of our most vulnerable residents.
“I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated team of officers and councillors, and I’d like to thank them, and of course Hackney’s residents, for their support over my 14 years as mayor.
“Leading Hackney on its journey from the worst local authority in the country to one of the best will always be something of which I will be very proud.
“Hackney is a unique place. It represents the very best of London, and I hope that from City Hall I can continue to make a difference here.”
Hoxton’s Cllr Glanville was first elected in 2006 and will take over mayoral duties until September, when the first ever mayoral by-election in London is expected to be held.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, said mayor Pipe would bring extensive knowledge of London to his new role.
He said: “He and I share a determination to ensure London’s prosperity is shared by all Londoners, and that we plan ahead to equip the city for its future economic, infrastructure, skills and housing needs.
“Jules will be a fantastic addition to my top team at a time when London needs a stronger voice more than ever before in championing its unique interests, following the fallout from the EU referendum result.”
Mayor Pipe follows his deputy Sophie Linden to City Hall. She resigned last month to become Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor for policing.
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