19th February 2024
ReLondon is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board: Cllr Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Sustainability at the London Borough of Redbridge; and Cllr Mike Hakata, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport at the London Borough of Haringey.
Together they bring extensive expertise in environmental sustainability in a governmental capacity to help ReLondon achieve its mission to make London a global leader in sustainable ways to live, work and prosper by accelerating the transition to a low carbon circular city.
Cllr Jo Blackman has been Cabinet Member for the Environment and Sustainability at the London Borough of Redbridge since 2021 and was elected Councillor for Wanstead Village in 2018. She has overseen the adoption and implementation of Redbridge’s first climate action plan; new cycling infrastructure; significant increase in recycling rates; EV charging expansion; and biodiversity projects.
Jo is also a freelance campaign strategist with over 20 years’ experience leading impactful local, national, and international campaigns, and providing advice to NGOs on strategy, policy and coalition building. Jo headed up the Labour Party’s international relations from 2008 to 2015.
Jo also holds a number of governance and policy roles including: trustee of Epping Forest Heritage Trust; executive member of Labour’s environment campaign (SERA); member of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee; Sustainable Development Commissioner (representing London Councils); and Vice Chair of the East London Waste Authority.
Cllr Mike Hakata is Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport at the London Borough of Haringey.
In this role, Mike has spearheaded the development and launch of award-winning sustainability initiatives, including: a programme to retrofit council homes; low-traffic neighbourhoods; rapid expansion of EV charging and cycling infrastructure; and an urban reforestation programme quadrupling the number of trees planted annually in the borough. He has also embedded co-production in the development of community-led projects focused on sustainable food systems, carbon and waste reduction.
Mike also serves on the Board of the North London Waste Authority; sits on London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and London Road Safety Council; and has chaired Alexandra Park and Palace Board.
Dr Liz Goodwin, Board Chair, ReLondonWe’re delighted to be joined by two new Board members, both of whom bring an impressive range of experience and expertise to ReLondon at a crucial point in our organisational development. Jo and Mike’s deep connections with local communities as well as London’s government stakeholders will be invaluable to the team and the Board as a whole – I very much look forward to working with them to achieve impact and secure a sustainable future for ReLondon.
ReLondon’s Board oversees all of ReLondon’s activities and comprises:
Chair of the Board: Mayor of London’s appointed representative
Four London borough councillors: appointed by London Councils
Two independent members: appointed by London Councils
One independent member: appointed by the Mayor of London
Two independent advisors: appointed by ReLondon’s Board
Click here for details of current members.
ReLondon is the operating name of the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) which was established under the Greater London Authority Act 2007.
