James Murray joined the Mayor’s Office in 2016 as Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, coming from Islington Council, where he held the position of Executive Member for Housing & Development for six years. James is focussing on bringing together a broad alliance – including councils, housing associations, developers and businesses – to support plans to build more new and affordable homes in London. He is advising the Mayor on planning policy, particularly helping to develop and implement new approaches to housing. He is overseeing work at City Hall to improve the private rented sector and tackle homelessness, in line with the Mayor’s priorities.