The new chief executive of Islington Council has been confirmed as Lesley Seary.

Ms Seary, is expected to start work in Islington in June after she was officially appointed at a meeting of the full council on Thursday (31).

She will succeed current chief John Foster CBE, who is retiring in May after 40 years’ public service.

Ms Seary said: “Islington is a very special place, with both unique opportunities and huge challenges.

“I’m determined to progress the task already started to narrow the gap between rich and poor and make Islington a fairer place for those who live and work here.

“There is a lot of important work to do to improve the lives of residents, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Councillor Catherine West, leader of Islington Council, said: “It’s been a careful and rigorous search for our new chief executive and we’ve achieved it in the most cost-effective way, using our in-house recruitment and communications teams.

“In Lesley, we’ve found a good fit with the organisation and someone of the highest calibre needed to take forward our important work in improving the borough.

“I look forward to welcoming Lesley to her new role at Islington in the early summer.

“I want to pay tribute to John Foster CBE, under whose leadership we have seen visible improvements in many areas of the council’s partnership work including tackling child poverty.”