A TAUNTON politician who ran to become the Mayor of London has now taken her place in the capital city’s assembly.

Zoë Garbett, who went to school in Taunton before joining Richard Huish College, represented the Green Party in the mayoral elections on May 2.

She gained 5.8 per cent of the vote share to finish in fourth behind Sadiq Khan (Labour), Susan Hall (Conservative) and Rob Blackie (Lib Dems).

Ms Garbett, 36, will now take her place on the London Assembly after her Green colleague Siân Berry stepped down – just three days after she was elected to the body – to stand in the next general election in Brighton Pavilion.

“I’m so honoured to take up this position working for Londoners,” said Ms Garbett.

“I’ve been speaking with and listening to people across London, hearing the vitally important issues they raise, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take up those concerns at City Hall.

“We need a more affordable city, with cheaper public travel and free school meals for all pupils, and we’re beyond a housing crisis. 

“We know London needs change, and I’m ready to get to work.

“I’d like to thank Siân for all of her work here in London.

“She leaves behind a fantastic legacy, having achieved so much in her eight years on the assembly from winning new funding for youth services and protecting sports facilities, to stopping bus cuts and pushing the Mayor into allocating money to buy up new council homes.

“Siân has been an inspiration to so many of us and a driving force for positive change.”

Somerset County Gazette: Siân Berry is a former co-leader of the Green Party.Siân Berry is a former co-leader of the Green Party. (Image: PA Picture Desk)

Ms Berry, who was the Green mayoral candidate in 2008, 2016 and 2021, said: “Zoë has shown how much of a difference she will make in City Hall, listening to Londoners and bringing their voices into the political debate.

“That’s why she needs to be in this job as soon as possible. She is already brilliant councillor and will be a brilliant Assembly Member for Londoners.”

This makes Ms Garbett one of three Greens who have taken their place in the assembly after this month’s local elections.

The London Assembly has 25 members in total, who work to hold the mayor to account, examine his decisions and ensure he delivers on his pledges.

Mr Khan was sworn in for his historic third term as mayor on Tuesday, May 7.

Somerset County Gazette: Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya Khan pose for photographers on the Millennium Bridge in London.Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya Khan pose for photographers on the Millennium Bridge in London. (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA)

After the election, Ms Garbett posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Congratulations to Sadiq Khan on your re-election. I enjoyed our election debates.

“I'm glad that three Green Assembly Members were also re-elected to hold the Mayor to account to deliver a more affordable, greener city.”

Ms Garbett previously spent 10 years working in the public sector, where she held senior positions in public health, adult services, and children’s health services. 

She most recently worked in a non-clinical role for the NHS.

Before the election, her parents Ruth and Richard Garbett, both teachers, said: “We are all very proud of Zoë and all that she has achieved so far. It has been an exciting journey!

“Taunton has been a wonderful place to bring up our family. Zoë has a deep affection for Somerset and loves to come home.”