Nicky Gavron

New Londoner of the Year

Former Deputy Mayor of London

The New Londoner of the Year Award celebrates those who have, during their careers, had a significant impact in shaping New London and making a positive contribution to the city.

NLA’s New Londoner of the Year 2022, Nicky Gavron, was an elected politician from 1986 until last year and has a track record in urban policy at every level of government, from neighbourhood to national.

Gavron was the first Deputy Mayor of London, a post she held for seven years. Subsequently, she led on planning. She was alternate chair/deputy chair of the cross-party planning committee and was Labour’s planning spokesperson.

She has been at the forefront of developing integrated and sustainable land-use, transport and environmental planning policies for London.

As Deputy Mayor, she worked closely with Mayor Livingstone to set up the Greater London Authority’s working processes and policy frameworks, with particular responsibility for the London Plan. She also played a central role in shaping the agenda for women and established the GLA’s Children and Young People’s Unit.

Leading London’s response to climate change, she introduced policies and programmes to reduce C02 emissions across energy, water, waste, transport and sustainable design and construction. Her initiatives include establishing the London Climate Change Agency and the C40: Large Cities Climate Leadership Group.

Gavron is internationally recognised for her work on urban planning and the environment, and she continues to advise cities and city networks.