June 9th: Today's Feature

June

Jennette Arnold, OBE, a Labour Co-op politician, held the position of chair of the London Assembly for five terms. She represented the North East constituency, which included the London Boroughs of Hackney, Islington, and Waltham Forest, from 2004 to 2021.

Background

Arnold, originally from Montserrat, began her career as a nurse before transitioning into various roles within the healthcare sector. She gained experience as an Industrial Relations Officer and later became the Regional Director of Services and Special Adviser (Equalities) to the General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing. Seeking new challenges, Arnold joined Beacon Associates, an organisational development consultancy, as an associate.

In 1994, Arnold's passion for public service led her to be elected to Islington Council. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated her dedication and commitment, eventually serving as deputy mayor. With the establishment of the Greater London Authority in 2000, Arnold's political career took a significant turn.

Although she narrowly missed securing a place on Labour's Londonwide list for the London Assembly, an opportunity arose when David Lammy resigned following his election as a Member of Parliament. As the next candidate in line on Labour's list, Arnold became a Londonwide member of the Assembly in July 2000. Her hard work and determination paid off when she was subsequently chosen as Labour's candidate for the North East constituency and successfully elected in the 2004 Assembly election.

Arnold's contributions to the London Assembly have been substantial. She served as Chair for an impressive five terms, demonstrating her leadership skills and ability to bring people together. As the lead spokesperson on education for the London Assembly Labour Group, Arnold played a crucial role in shaping education policies and advocating for the needs of students and educators. Additionally, she chaired the London Assembly's Education Panel, ensuring that education remained a top priority in the city.

Arnold's involvement extended beyond education, as she also chaired the Cultural Strategy Group for London, playing a pivotal role in securing the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for the city. Her dedication to public service is further evident through her membership on the Assembly's Economic and Social Development Committee and her role as a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority. Arnold's diverse experiences and extensive knowledge have made her a respected and influential figure within the London Assembly.

Campaigns and Causes

Throughout her tenure in the Assembly, Arnold dedicated herself to various important causes. One of her key focuses was advocating for the provision of quality education for young individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Recognising the importance of inclusive education, she tirelessly campaigned for improved services and support systems to ensure that these young people had equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Another significant issue that Arnold passionately campaigned against was Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Drawing from a deeply personal experience during her time as a student nurse, where she witnessed the devastating effects of FGM on a victim, she was prompted to take action. Arnold used her platform to raise awareness about this harmful practice and worked tirelessly to eradicate it. Her dedication to this cause was evident in her extensive campaigning efforts, which aimed to protect vulnerable girls and women from the physical and psychological trauma caused by FGM.

Honours and Legacy

Arnold's influence extended beyond her work in the Assembly. She was recognised as one of Britain's 50 most influential black women by the New Nation newspaper in 2007. In addition to her political role, Arnold held various positions in prominent organisations. She served as a council member of the Royal Court Theatre, a governor of the Museum of London, and a governor of Sadler's Wells Theatre Foundation. Furthermore, she was a patron of the Victoria Climbie Foundation and a former Chair of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.

These roles showcased her commitment to the arts, culture, and social justice, highlighting her diverse range of interests and dedication to making a positive impact in various spheres of society.