Enfield gets new mayor and council leader

Councillor Saray Karakus, who was elected for the first time on May 3, was appointed to the ceremonial position – normally bestowed on experienced councillors – at Enfield Council’s annual meeting last night (May 23).

Her deputy, Upper Edmonton councillor Kate Anolue, was first elected as a councillor in 2002 and was mayor in 2012-13.

The mayor chairs the full council meeting and acts as an ambassador for the borough, as well as performing a range of civic and ceremonial duties.

Speaking before the vote, Conservative leader Cllr Joanne Laban told the meeting: “We wish the new mayor well, but we simply do not know her. On this occasion, we will be abstaining.”

Cllr Karakus, who was born in Turkey, moved to London as a child and attended Lea Valley High School and Enfield College.

She ran a health and beauty clinic in the borough and later became involved in community theatre as an actor and scriptwriter.

Her husband, Ismet, and her daughter, Destiny, will be her consorts.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Karakus, who represents the Haselbury ward, extended her “sincere appreciation” to councillors “for putting your trust in me”.

She added: “I take this very seriously and I am committed to serving the people of the borough of Enfield to the best of my ability.”

During the same meeting, Cllr Nesil Caliskan – a councillor with just three years’ experience – was confirmed as council leader.

Cllr Caliskan, who has represented Jubilee ward since 2015, paid tribute to outgoing leader Cllr Doug Taylor for “steadying the ship” at a “difficult time for local government”.

New leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan

She said: “I will build on our successes and ensure we can deliver services that Enfield residents rely on. I believe in well-funded public services and am committed to tackling inequality in our borough.”

Southgate Green councillor Daniel Anderson was appointed deputy leader.