Boris Johnson has appointed a new Gangs’ Czar to “revitalise” City Hall’s response to the problem in the wake of the Evening Standard’s Frontline London campaign.
Ray Lewis has been given the “special brief” by the Mayor, in addition to his role as mentoring adviser, and has convened a gangs round table at City Hall bringing together thinkers and community leaders this Friday as well as calling for a gangs summit in the spring.
In an exclusive interview given to the Standard by him and the deputy mayor for policing and crime, Stephen Greenhalgh, Mr Lewis said: “Let me be candid, your campaign has revitalised our drive at City Hall to make a difference. The Mayor, Stephen and I welcome your initiative. Boris regards tackling gangs as a top priority and has asked me to be his gangs czar. Your initiative has highlighted the need for more targeted prevention work and that much more needs to be done.”
Mr Greenhalgh said: “We have this issue of extreme violence on the streets in pockets of London and that is where I am looking to Ray. If you live close to those pockets of extreme violence, it takes away all your life, liberty and happiness. It is shocking and it has shocked me deeply.” The Mayor’s office spends £3 million a year on funding 25 gang prevention and diversion projects but is looking to do much more.
Keynote speaker for the round table is expected be US gangs expert Professor Philip Leaf. The purpose is to take the pulse of the capital in the light of the Standard’s campaign, said Mr Greenhalgh. Mr Lewis added: “Your campaign is important, timely and very welcome.”
