A reshuffle of Islington Council’s ruling executive has seen two councillors replaced – but claims it was over a £1million fines blunder have been denied.
Cllr Paul Smith, for the environment, and Richard Greening, for finance and deputy leader, are absent from the new line-up announced this week.
Leader of the Lib Dem opposition, Terry Stacy, speculated that they had lost their places over the Drayton Park traffic management blunder which has left the council liable to repay over £1 million in wrongly issued fines.
But this was denied by council leader Cllr Catherine West. She said: “My executive has remained the same for four years, but Islington Labour is full of incredibly talented councillors and I am delighted to welcome Cllr Rakhia Ismail and Cllr Joe Caluori as part of a new and diverse executive.
“I’d like to thank Cllr Richard Greening and Cllr Paul Smith for everything they’ve done to help build a fairer Islington in tough times.”
They have been replaced by Mildmay ward Cllr Joe Caluori and Holloway Cllr Rakhia Ismail. Cllr Janet Burgess will deputise for leader Cllr Catherine West, the first time two women will be at the top of the executive.
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