Turkish changes in Enfield

Outgoing Enfield mayor Ali Bakır

A fourth Turkish speaker is to be added to leadership team of a London region described as Britain’s “most Turkish” borough.

Enfield Council’s cabinet already has three Turkish-speaking members – Yasemin Brett, Ayfer Orhan and Ahmet Öykener – on its cabinet, but Londra Gazete understands they will soon be joined by a fourth: Alev Cazimoğlu, a councillor for Jubilee ward.

Ms Cazimoğlu was elected in the routine annual ballot of Enfield Labour councillors earlier this week.

Alev Cazimoğlu, Enfield’s fourth Turkish-speaking cabinet member

She takes the place of Rohini Simbodyal, who resigned last month, although it is not yet clear if the culture and sport portfolio she left behind will be assumed by Ms Cazimoğlu.

It is understood cabinet portfolio responsibilities will be announced by council leader Doug Taylor later this week.

BAKIR STEPS BACK

Enfield’s first Turkish-speaking mayor is also due to step down at the same time Ms Cazimoğlu assumes her new role.

Ali Bakır, who assumed the ceremonial post of mayor last year, will step down in May. He will be succeeded by Pat Ekechi, the current deputy mayor.

The most recent census in 2011 revealed Enfield is home to the largest number of Turkish speakers and Turkish-born residents in the UK.