Political row erupts over cabinet roles at Enfield Council

Enfield Labour criticise decision by new Tory administration to combine the children’s services post with that of chief whip for the party

Enfield Civic Centre with cabinet member for children’s services Chris Dey (left) and his predecessor Abdul Abdullahi (right)

A political row has erupted at Enfield Council over the assignment of new cabinet member roles.

The former Labour cabinet member for children’s services at Enfield Council has strongly criticised the new Conservative-led administration for combining the role with that of the chief whip.

Abdul Abdullahi, who was in charge of children’s services at the council prior to the Tories taking minority control last week, said the importance of the role is such that it requires the cabinet member’s full attention.

“I know how important and demanding this role is in local government,” said Cllr Abdullahi. “It oversees one of the council’s largest budgets and carries serious responsibility for protecting and safeguarding vulnerable children, running children’s social care, supporting Send [special educational needs and disabilities] provision, and working with families, schools, and young people across the borough.

“The role of chief whip in a minority Conservative administration is also highly demanding. It involves constant political coordination, negotiation, and securing support to keep the council functioning. Both roles are important and each requires full time focus.

“Trying to combine these two roles creates real concerns. Children’s services cannot be treated as a part time responsibility or fitted around the pressures of managing a fragile minority administration.”

In response, council leader Alessandro Georgiou defended the move to appoint Chris Dey as both his administration’s chief whip and cabinet member for children’s services.

Cllr Georgiou said: “Children’s services is a top priority for my administration. Cllr Dey will provide strong political leadership to our dedicated team of officers, with the full support needed to deliver for children, families, and schools.

“Our focus is on the practical improvements that matter, expanding early help, strengthening support for vulnerable families, delivering excellent children’s social care, and working closely with schools to improve attendance and outcomes. We are also committed to a more responsive Send system and stronger partnerships with community organisations.”

The disagreement comes after the Tories decided to slim down the size of the ruling cabinet at the council by abolishing four previous ‘associate cabinet member’ roles held by Labour councillors.

These roles did not carry decision-making powers or portfolios but each were instead assigned to geographical areas. The four Labour councillors who held these positions were paid an additional allowance each year of more than £8,000.

But the Enfield Conservatives’ manifesto pledged to “immediately abolish the posts of associate cabinet members, removing unnecessary, taxpayer-funded political roles and redirecting those savings to frontline services”.

At last week’s annual meeting, while listing his priorities upon taking office, Cllr Georgiou said: “All political crony cabinet member posts are now deleted, saving £32,940 in the first ten minutes of this administration.”

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