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Assembly to assess Mayor’s London Fire Commissioner nominee

The Crystal at Royal Docks
Created on
22 May 2025

Assembly to assess Mayor’s London Fire Commissioner nominee

The London Fire Brigade is one of the biggest fire and rescue organisations in the world, employing over 5,000 people tasked with playing their part in keeping Londoners safe. 

Earlier this month, the Mayor of London announced that he wished to nominate Jonathan Smith as London Fire Commissioner.

The London Assembly will hold an extraordinary Confirmation Hearing tomorrow, to assess the nominee’s suitability for the role. 
                                                                                  
The Assembly Fire Committee will question:

  • Jonathan Smith – current Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness and Response and proposed appointee to the role of London Fire Commissioner                                        

Questions may cover four key areas:
 

  • Whether the nominee is qualified for the position
  • Whether the nominee has the time and capacity for the position
  • Whether the nominee is fit (independent and impartial) for the position
  • Key responsibilities and issues for the organisation to which the Mayor is proposing to appoint the nominee

Following the hearing, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Mayor as to whether they agree or reject the proposed appointment.1
 
The hearing will take place on Friday 23 May at 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
 
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
 
Follow us @LondonAssembly.


Notes to editors

  1. The Committee’s recommendation may be binding in some circumstances.
  2. In accordance with Schedule 4A of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (as amended 2007), the London Assembly may hold Confirmation Hearings in respect of specific appointments and make a recommendation to the Mayor on the candidates proposed for appointment.
  3. Full agenda papers.
  4. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For more information, please contact Josh Hunt in the Assembly Media Office on 07763 252310 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.
 

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