First day on the job - new Fire Commissioner questioned by Assembly
On his first day as London Fire Commissioner, Jonathan Smith will answer questions from the London Assembly Fire Committee.
Members will hear from experts, union representatives and London Fire Brigade (LFB) advisers on what the new Commissioner’s short and long-term priorities should be.
The Committee will then ask the Commissioner about what his plans are for the LFB as he starts his new role, and how he intends to deliver a modern and effective fire service for London.
Panel 1: 10-10.45
- Steve Hamm, CEO, Institution of Fire Engineers
- Professor José Torero, Professor of Civil Engineering and Head of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at University College London, Grenfell Tower Inquiry (GTI) expert witness
- Suzanne McCarthy, Independent Chair, Fire Standards Board
Panel 2: 11-11.45
- Martin Forde KC, Independent Chair, LFB Advisory Panel on Culture
- Dave Shek, Executive Council Member for London, Fire Brigades Union
- Deborah Riviere-Williams, Chair, LFB Unison branch
Panel 3: 12-12.45
- Jonathan Smith, London Fire Commissioner (as of 1 July 2025)
- Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
The meeting will take place on Tuesday 1 July at 10am 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
- Zack Polanski AM, Chair of the Fire Committee, is available for interview.
- Read the agenda in full.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
- Find out more about the work of the Fire Committee.
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.