Councillor Rosaline Ogunro has been elected as the new Mayor of Islington at the council's Annual Meeting, following a nomination by Councillor Saiqa Pandor and a second by Councillor Toby North. As a Labour Councillor, her appointment marks a new chapter for the borough.
During the meeting, Councillor Ogunro outlined her vision for the year, focusing on supporting two key local charities: St. Luke's Community Centre and the Islington Boat Club. She expressed her pride in supporting these organisations, which she described as close to my heart.
St. Luke's Community Centre, a hub that brings people together and strengthens our community,
offers a range of activities for all ages, including classes and well-being programmes. Councillor Ogunro highlighted its vital role in fostering community connections, noting she had met people there during her own community engagement. The Islington Boat Club, meanwhile, provides inclusive, water-based activities for young people, individuals with additional needs, and older residents facing isolation.
Its work aims to build confidence, well-being, and connection across generations.
Councillor Ogunro shared her personal journey, drawing on her past experiences as a radio announcer in Nigeria and her work with Citizens Advice in Islington. Councillor Jilani Chowdhury was appointed as Deputy Mayor.
The duties of the Mayor of Islington typically involve attending numerous engagements and representing the borough. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Jason Jackson, noted he had attended over 750 engagements during his term, visiting a wide array of community spaces and representing Islington locally, nationally, and internationally. Councillor Ogunro affirmed her commitment to fulfilling her new role, stating, I hereby declare that I take the third office upon myself and will duly and faithfully fulfill the duties thereof, according to the best of my judgment and ability.
