Jules Pipe re-elected as chair of London Councils

Calling for devolution: Hackney’s elected mayor and chair of London Councils, Jules Pipe. Photograph: Hackney Council

Hackney’s mayor Jules Pipe has been elected for a sixth term as chair of London Councils, the cross-party lobbying group which represents the interests of all 32 London boroughs and the City.

Pipe has been a member of London Councils since 2001 and previously held the role of vice-chair between 2008 and 2010 before being elected to his current role as chair in June 2010.

In a statement, Mayor Pipe reiterated his calls for further devolution of powers to local government.

He said: “London Councils will continue to make the case to central government for fully funding the vital local services Londoners need – housing, school places, skills training and jobs.

“London government is demanding further devolution to address many of the capital’s problems. In order to have a chance of helping the 450,000 Londoners who are long-term unemployed or economically inactive we need control over work programmes and the ability to support businesses.

“A transfer of further powers to the mayor and the boroughs on health, housing and crime & justice would ensure that Londoners do not miss out on the benefits that people in Manchester or Birmingham will receive through deals taking place in cities and regions across England.”

Cllr Claire Kober, the Labour leader of neighbouring Haringey Council, was re-elected as deputy chair.