Hackney mayor Jules Pipe is to join Sadiq Khan’s team at City Hall, where he will take up the post of deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills.
Pipe has been Hackney’s directly elected mayor since 2002 and has led London Councils, the all-party body which represents local boroughs and runs the capital’s Freedom Pass, since 2010.
City Hall says he will step down from both posts next month to lead on regeneration projects and revisions to the London Plan planning framework, and will work with James Murray, deputy mayor for housing, to tackle the city’s housing crisis.
Mayor Sadiq Khan, said: “Jules Pipe brings to City Hall extensive knowledge of the capital, and the key challenges it faces.
“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.”
Commenting on his new role, Mr Pipe said: “I am delighted to be working with Sadiq on his ambitious plans to build prosperity, whilst ensuring our city is affordable for all Londoners.
“It is vital we use all the levers of City Hall to pursue a vision for the capital that delivers all its key needs, including a much needed increase in housing, and that development is planned to provide the widest benefit.”