The Labour Led Westminster Council is proud to announce the appointment of Harrow Road Councillor, Concia Albert, to lead the Communities portfolio during Councillor Cara Sanquest’s maternity leave. Cllr Albert’s appointment is historic: she becomes the first Black councillor to serve in the Cabinet of Westminster City Council.
The change of administration from Conservative to Labour in May 2022 (the first time Labour won the council elections in Westminster City council’s history) brought with it manyother historic firsts: Councillor Liza Begum and Councillor Aicha Less became the first Muslim Cabinet Members, Councillor Hamza Taouzzale became the first Muslim Lord Mayor, Councillor Begum and Councillor Ryan Jude became the first ever Cabinet members of Bangladeshi and Indian origins. Councillor Aicha Less became the first ever Deputy Leader of Moroccan heritage while Councillor Cara Sanquest is the first ever Cabinet member in Westminster Council’s history to take maternity leave.
Councillor Albert who came to the UK from Montserrat in the 1990s, brings more than 20 years of professional experience working in senior leadership roles in the voluntary and community sector (VCS). Since being elected in Harrow Road Ward in 2022, she has taken on significant responsibilities within the council, including serving as Chair of the Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Policy and Scrutiny Committee. She also led the Inner West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), steering the scrutiny of the closure of the Gordon Mental Health Hospital demonstrating her ability to bring partners together, champion accountability, and advocate for vulnerable communities. In addition, Councillor Albert has held other roles such as Deputy Cabinet Member for the Voluntary Sector and Public Protection and Chair of the Ratings Advisory Panel.
Councillor Albert said:
“I wish Councillor Sanquest all the best during her maternity leave. Throughout her time as Cabinet Member, Cara has provided strong leadership on issues that go to the heart of a Fairer Westminster. I look forward to working with officers and continuing to deliver for our residents and communities.”
Councillor Sanquest, who was elected to the Council in May 2022, has overseen major programmes during her time as Cabinet Member for Communities. These include leading the North Paddington Programme to address inequality in Harrow Road, Queen’s Park and Westbourne; opening Community Hubs across the city; launching the Active Westminster Strategy; reforming consultation processes; and delivering several community grants programmes. She has also overseen improvements to Report It and the Council’s call centre now the first local authority call centre to use AI to improve responsive, personalised support.
Councillor Sanquest said:
“The Communities portfolio is one I am proud to represent as Cabinet Member. Over the past three years we have championed the role of residents in service design and made it easier for local communities to access support and opportunities. I am delighted to hand over to Concia, who brings expertise and passion to this work, and I know she will continue to advocate for all our communities.”
These changes took effect from 6 December.
The Communities Portfolio includes: Customer Services; Digital Services; Resident Groups and Local Forums; Community Engagement and Neighbourhoods; Active Westminster (Leisure); and Community Hubs
