Jamaican Born Musician is New Mayor of Haringey

Jamaican born Councillor Sheik G. L. Thompson is the new Mayor of Haringey in north east London.
Councillor Thompson is a professional jazz musician who has played with some of Britain’s most famous groups and toured with his own bands all over the world.
Mr. Thompson, who represents the Tottenham Hale ward, took over the chains of office at the annual meeting of the council on May 21. Jamaica’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Sharon Saunders and Community Relations Officer, Delores Cooper attended the ceremony.
Councillor Thompson was born in Jamaica to what he said, was a strong musically and politically active family. He grew up in New York where his interest in jazz began, and settled in London in 1955 after coming to the UK on active service in the United States Air Force.
“It’s a real honour to be elected Mayor, and I’m looking forward to working for all the people of Haringey, wherever they live, and whatever their background,” he told his first meeting of the Council.The mayor will be raising money for Haringey young musicians during his term of office, helping young people across the borough to learn an instrument and take part in musical activity.
Mr. Thompson has lived in Tottenham for many years and is involved in many community groups, including the Chestnuts Area residents association, the Haringey Community and Police Consultative Group, the Haringey Race Equality Council and the African Caribbean Leadership Council.
As a professional jazz and rhythm and blues musician he has played alongside leading figures, including Georgie Fame, Long John Baldry, Graham Bond, The Who, Mick Eves, Alan Price, the Animals and the Rolling Stones. He currently leads two bands, CUE Ensemble and Dedeh All Stars.
He is a member of the Musicians Union Jazz Section Committee and London region Executive, and is Haringey’s representative to the London local authority’s arts forum, liaising with Arts Council England.