Labour’s Richard Olszewski talks up Camden’s ‘rebellious spirit’ as he takes over as council leader

Labour councillor Richard Olszewski has been appointed as leader of Camden Council.

It follows ex-leader Georgia Gould’s election as an MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale.

“It’s such a huge privilege to be council leader in the borough I’ve called home for more than 30 years,” said Olszewski.

“I’m looking forward to working together with Camden communities, partners, councillors & officers to provide the very best opportunities to our residents.”

“As you can tell I’m not Camden born and bred by my accent,” he added.

“There’s much said of Camden’s rebellious spirit. I come from a Polish family, which means it’s endemic in you to rebel and then I grew up in Scotland; that adds a little spice on top.”

He said Camden was a “remarkable borough to have the chance to lead”.

Cllr Olszewski was first elected to represent Regent’s Park in the 1990s but left to work as a special adviser to Lord John Reid – a home secretary in Tony Blair’s government.

Olszewski has been a Labour councillor for Fortune Green since 2014 and has previously held the role of cabinet member for finance.

The new leader said he is specifically committed to “building more quality social and affordable housing”, “ensuring residents have access to high-quality apprenticeships”, and “supporting residents to live active and healthy lives”.

He said he is also committed to tackling climate change on a “local level”.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Olszewski said he was “thrilled and excited” to be appointed leader, “just as we have a new [Labour] government working with us, not against us”.

He paid tribute to the three ex-Camden councillors who now sit in parliament: Georgia Gould, Danny Beales and Lloyd Hatton.

Olszewski said he “didn’t want to rush” in making appointments to his cabinet.