Kaya Comer-Schwartz

Local Government Chronicle

Kaya Comer-Schwartz was born in Islington and has lived there her whole life. She was first elected to Islington council in 2013 to represent Junction ward and became the first black Deputy Leader in 2020. She has served on the council’s Executive for six years, most recently as Executive Member for Children, Young People, and Families and prior to that as Executive Member for Community Development. She is currently Chair of Islington’s Youth Justice and Corporate Parenting Board and sits on London Councils’ Crime & Community Safety and Children’s Leads Committee. Before joining the council, Comer-Schwartz worked in the charity sector, including roles at the Centre for Mental Health, Shelter, World Jewish Relief, and The Women’s Library. As of 2021, she is now the leader of the council.

Comer-Schwartz speaks openly about the racism she has faced. In one interview, she talks about how some people told her that her position of deputy leader of the council was down to tokenism, and not the hard work and heart that she poured into the role. She also talks about her goal to create a safe space for all people in Islington.

"Our borough needs to be a place where young people can be safe and thrive. I will also keep building towards our vision for Islington to be the best place to work and live in; everyone deserves a safe, secure genuinely affordable home and a good, well-paid job. 

"And I will help ensure that Islington is also the best place to grow old in, with a greener, cleaner, healthier borough and top-quality, well-funded social care.

“I love Islington and will continue working hard to make it a fairer place for everyone by improving our borough and inspiring and empowering local people.”

Comer-Schwartz does not shy away from opposition and is spurred on by her love of Islington and her desire to make it a safe and loving space. She is passionate about encouraging children and young people to achieve their dreams, and is an inspiration to us all.