New Leader’s Potential Conflicts of Interests Should be “Clarified”, Say Lib Dems

Southwark Liberal Democrats have formally written to the council’s top legal officer about concerns over the new Leader’s potential conflict of interest working for a lobbying firm. 

Cllr Sarah King, Southwark’s new Council Leader, is a co-owner and director of Connect Public Affairs, a lobbying firm which lists developers as among their clients. In her biography on Connect’s website, she is listed as able to offer “senior counsel” relating to the built environment and housing. 

Companies house lists Sarah King as owning around 30% of the lobbying firm, which currently has at least £1.5 million in assets. 

Connect Public Affairs have been involved in at least one development in Southwark, most recently Devonshire Place in Bermondsey, which is currently going through the planning process. 

Stressing that they are not alleging any wrongdoing or impropriety, the Liberal Democrats are seeking urgent clarification of how these conflicts of interest should be managed both by Cllr King and the Council. 

Concerns over Cllr King’s industry connections had been raised by local press and campaign groups, who have also noted previous leaders’ involvement in similar firms. Peter John, who led the council between 2010 and 2020, was regularly featured in Private Eye due to his close relationships with developers during his tenure, and subsequently joined a lobbying firm for developers. 

This comes just a week after Labour’s embarrassing leadership election, which saw her overturn an initial win by left-wing rival Cllr James McAsh. The contest was re-run following a complaint from local MP Neil Coyle about the process, and prompted three Labour councillors to openly rebel at Council Assembly, with Labour’s local group chair resigning from the party shortly after.  

Commenting, Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“With Southwark already failing to deliver enough genuinely affordable homes, it’s absolutely right that we ask these questions to ensure that those at the very top are making the right decisions for the right reasons.  

Not only has the council failed to start any of its own council homes last year, we’ve seen developers across the borough run roughshod over even the most basic of affordable housing requirements – whether that’s in Aylesham, Canada Water, or Borough Triangle.  

Southwark Council must have leadership willing and able to stand up to developers, and advocate for the genuinely affordable housing Southwark desperately needs, which so far successive Labour administrations have failed to deliver.