Greenwich and Lewisham’s long-serving London Assembly member, Len Duvall, has been made a member of the House of Lords – as has Lewisham’s elected mayor, Brenda Dacres.

Duvall was leader of Greenwich Council for eight years before being elected to the 25-strong assembly, which scrutinises the mayor, when it was set up in 2000. He is now the longest-serving member of the assembly after being elected seven times.

Dacres was also on the list of 25 nominated by Sir Keir Starmer. She  became mayor in March last year and had served as a councillor in Lewisham for ten years before that, representing New Cross ward, then Deptford. She had also been a cabinet member for planning before being elected mayor in a by-election, and had been a lawyer before entering politics.

Duvall, centre, with Brenda Dacres (behind podium) and fellow Labour politicians at the City Hall election count last year. Image: The Greenwich Wire

Woolwich-born Duvall, whose partner is the Greenwich cabinet member Jackie Smith, will combine his role at City Hall, where he leads the assembly’s Labour group, with his work in the Lords.  The 64-year-old was also recently appointed as an adviser to the property lobbying company Terrapin Group.

He said: “It is an immense honour to be elevated to the House of Lords. This recognition is not just about me, but about the communities and people that shaped me. Growing up on council estates in the Woolwich area taught me the importance of fairness, opportunity and standing up for those whose voices are too often ignored. 

“I will take those lessons with me into the Lords and continue to fight for a fairer society.”

Brenda Dacres at the lectern
Dacres was elected mayor of Lewisham last year Image: The Greenwich Wire

Dacres, 59, said: “It’s an incredible honour to be awarded a peerage by the prime minister. I must admit I was very shocked to receive the phone call.

“It’s a privilege to serve the people of Lewisham, as I have done for over a decade. Lewisham is a very special place; it is my home, and I am looking forward to being a voice for our borough nationally, while remaining committed to my role as mayor until the end of my term.”

It is not known which title either Duvall or Dacres will take in the Lords.

Former Southwark Council leader Peter John, who oversaw much of the redevelopment of the Elephant & Castle area, is also among the new peers.

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