Upper Edmonton councillor Margaret Greer has vowed to “uplift this community to ensure that every resident feels seen”, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Margaret Greer at the mayor-making ceremony (credit Enfield Council)

Margaret Greer is Enfield’s new mayor for 2025/26 – the first black Caribbean woman to be elected to the role.

Nelly Gyosheva will be her deputy and is the first Bulgarian deputy mayor for the borough.

Cllr Greer, a Labour councillor, takes over in the ceremonial role from Mohammad Islam, having served as his deputy for 2024/25.

The Upper Edmonton ward councillor, a councillor since 2018, said she was proud and honoured to have been elected at Enfield Council’s annual meeting last night (Wednesday 14th).

Cllr Greer said: “As the first black Caribbean woman to be elected as mayor of the London borough of Enfield I am deeply humbled. This is more than a title, it is a commitment and I promise to uplift this community to ensure that every resident feels seen, heard and valued.

“As I reflect on my journey I am reminded that our stories are our most powerful tool. My lived experiences, my heritage and the challenges I have overcome have shaped my mission to mobilise communities, champion justice and dismantle racism and gender inequalities.

“I know what it means to fight to be heard, to stand alone in rooms where your voice is needed but not always welcome, yet still I rise.”

Cllr Greer also used her speech to reflect on her journey to becoming mayor, which began in Hackney, the borough where she was born .

She later attended Middlesex University in Enfield before moving to the borough in 1999.

Cllr Greer spoke of her experience working with trade unions, as a community organiser within the Caribbean community, as a social worker, as well as her activities with her local Methodist church.

Council leader Ergin Erbil congratulated both the incoming and outgoing mayors for their services to the borough.

Cllr Erbil said: “Margaret you are a champion for all of our communities in Enfield, you’ve served as a councillor, a community leader, and a community champion not just in Edmonton but across the borough.

“We look forward to working with you as your Labour group, your councillors and as the cabinet. I know that you are focused on raising money for the charities that are close to your heart.

“I know you will engage with all of our community stakeholders and charities across the borough just like our previous mayor did. I know that you will be dedicated and compassionate. I look forward to working with you.”

Opposition leader Alessandro Georgiou seconded support of Cllr Greer as the new mayor.

Cllr Georgiou said: “I know on this side [highlighting the Conservative side of the chamber] you will be firm but fair as you have been in committees over my time, serving with you as a colleague.

“It is enormous, perhaps even the greatest honour, to be the first citizen of our borough and I know you’ll carry that out with distinction so good luck.”

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