Lewisham Labour has elected Cllr Ese Erheriene as the new Leader of the Labour Group on Lewisham Council, following the local elections on 7 May 2026.
Cllr Erheriene represents Lee Green ward and previously served as Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills. Raised in Lewisham, she has been a councillor since 2022 and is a longstanding member of the community.
Ese said:
“Lewisham shaped me. Its schools and vibrant communities. It’s green spaces and spirit of cultural exchange. And I care deeply about the future of this borough.
“I’m proud of what Labour achieved in Lewisham. We protected key services through the dark times of austerity. We delivered the most improved schools in the country. We became the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary. We fought for investment, jobs and affordable homes. From our conversations on the doorstep, it was clear that people didn’t reject that record.
“What happened here reflected something bigger – a frustration that politics still isn’t delivering change in people’s everyday lives quickly enough. I understand that frustration too. And as a Party, when our voters speak, we must listen.
“My job now is to lead a robust opposition that stands up for every resident and holds this administration to account – asking hard questions on behalf of residents every step of the way. We will champion what is right for this borough. And we will challenge what isn’t.
“I grew up in a Lewisham led by a Labour council and shaped by Labour values.
“The work to earn back trust so that future residents can do the same, starts today.”
Lewisham Labour remains committed to representing every resident across the borough and to earning back the trust of the people of Lewisham ahead of the next local elections in 2030.