Wandsworth Council leader Lister to manage budgets and borough relations

The leader of the London Borough of Wandsworth Edward Lister is to replace Sir Simon Milton as chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning under London Mayor Boris Johnson.

In his new role Lister will manage the Mayor’s budgets and relations with the boroughs. According to a statement from the GLA “he will bring experience and wisdom to the Mayor’s team and expertise in the crucial areas of planning and development.”

Lister was first elected to Wandsworth Council in 1976 and has been leader since 1992. His predecessor Sir Simon Milton passed away last week after a short illness.  

Commenting on the appointment Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Edward has the perfect combination of experience, character and expertise to help me lead this city out of recession and harness the unique opportunity of the 2012 Games to secure London for another generation as the best big city in the world.

“We will always mourn the loss of Simon Milton. The greatest tribute we can pay him is to deliver in the areas that mattered so much to him and improve the lives of Londoners in the great city that he loved. Edward Lister shares that goal.”