A new deputy has been appointed by the leader of Haringey Council.

Cllr Seema Chandwani has taken on the role of deputy leader alongside her current brief as cabinet member for neighbourhoods.

She replaces Cllr Zena Brabazon, who was sacked by council leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor earlier this month amid the fallout from a child protection case in which the local authority was sharply criticised.

Cllr Chandwani, who represents West Green ward, said: “I’ve lived in Haringey since I was three years old. I went to school in this borough, I went to Youth Centre in this borough, I work in this borough, and if Coronavirus didn’t postpone my wedding, I would have got married in this borough.

“This council looked after me when I was in care, housed me when I left care and supported me to get a degree and have the stable adult life I’m fortunate to have now.

“I am proud to become the deputy leader of a borough that is my home and of a council that gave me so much. This Labour administration is working hard to ensure everyone gets opportunity. Our ambitious council home programme, our investment in young people’s services to our support for thousands affected by Coronavirus needing food, support and advice – we are a council determined to be there for local residents.”