| Kaya Comer-Schwartz | |
| Birth Date: | April 1986 |
| Birth Place: | Islington, London |
| Residence: | Islington, London |
| Nationality: | British |
| Occupation: | Politician |
| Office: | Leader of Islington Council |
| Term Start: | May 2021 |
| Predecessor: | Richard Watts |
| Party: | Labour Party (UK) |
| Office2: | Councillor for Islington London Borough Council |
| Term Start2: | 21 March 2013 |
| 1Blankname2: | Ward |
| 1Namedata2: | Junction |
| Predecessor2: | Arthur Graves |
Kaya Comer-Schwartz (born April 1986) is a British politician who currently serves as the Leader of Islington Council.[1] She is the first black leader of Islington.[2]
Kaya Comer-Schwartz was born in Islington.[3] She began her career in the charity sector, working with organizations such as the Centre for Mental Health, Shelter, World Jewish Relief, and The Women's Library. Her early professional experiences led her to pursue social issues and advocacy for vulnerable communities.[4] [5] [6]
Comer-Schwartz's entry into politics began when she was elected to represent the Junction ward on the Islington Council at a by-election 2013.[7] She was re-elected in 2014, 2018 and 2022.[8] [9] [10]
In 2020, she became the first Black Deputy Leader of Islington Council.[11] In her work as Deputy Leader she focussed on welfare improvements for children, young people, and families.[12]
In May 2021, Comer-Schwartz was appointed Leader of Islington Council, becoming the first Black woman to hold this position.[13] [14] Her leadership occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she prioritized the well-being of Islington's residents by overseeing the vaccination of over 150,000 residents, providing laptops for remote learning, and reducing council tax for those in need.[15]
In July 2023, Comer-Schwartz supported Islington Council's recognition of the Irish leader Michael Collins, who lived in Islington in the early 20th Century, noting he was part of broader Irish community contributions to the borough.[16]