Councillor Headlam-Wells is Camden’s new Mayor for 2018 to 2019
Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells has been officially appointed as the new Mayor of Camden in a ceremony at Camden Town Hall.
Councillor Headlam-Wells, who represents Kentish Town Ward, succeeds outgoing Mayor, Councillor Richard Cotton, as Camden’s new Mayor for 2018/19.
The new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Maryam Eslamdoust.
Councillor Headlam-Wells grew up in Cornwall, moving to study English at London University. A teacher, she first taught in London before moving north and becoming a lecturer at further education colleges followed by working as a university academic for over 30 years, in Hull, Lincoln, and Leeds. She returned to London 12 years ago and lives in Kentish Town
She was elected as a councillor for Kentish Town in 2010 and has chaired the Children Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee for six years, having previously served on the Planning and Licensing Committees.
“I am striving to increase the access to arts and culture for all children and young people in the borough through the wonderful medium of music.
“Almost 32% of children in Camden live below the poverty line. I am determined that culture is accessible to all our children - every child deserves the chance to shine. My chosen charity is therefore the Camden Music Trust.
“Music-making should not be an elitist pursuit, but accessible to all. Learning a musical instrument and performing are beneficial in so many ways - it builds confidence and self-esteem, supports academic achievement, improves sociability, fosters discipline and patience, promotes creativity and can improve mental health. It can open up life chances. As the charity’s strapline says, ‘it’s more than music’.”
Esther Caplin, Chair of Camden Music Trust said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as the Mayor’s charity. Councillor Headlam-Wells’ support will help raise awareness of the essential role of the arts in education.
“Children learning today are Camden's future citizens – it is vitally important that children can access a broad, rich and wide curriculum, so they develop into well-rounded, confident and creative young adults.”
For more information about the Mayor of Camden visit www.camden.gov.uk/mayor
Camden Music Trust is a charity that funds a broad range of music education programmes and scholarships delivered through the Camden Music Service.
It helps fund:
- four-year scholarships for talented children facing barriers to accessing music
- inclusive music events, including the Camden Schools’ Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall
- Saturday music centres, holiday courses and over 35 music ensembles, including jazz groups, orchestras and choirs
- musical instruments for loan.
Councillor Gould was confirmed as the Leader of Camden Council. The Cabinet remains the same. You can view the updated membership of Council bodies online.