London's police board appoints new leadership after recent resignation
Nancy Branscombe has been elected as the board's vice chair
Ryan Gauss has been chosen as the new chair of the London Police Service Board (LPSB) for the rest of this year, following the resignation of previous chair Ali Chahbar earlier this month.
The police's oversight body has also elected former city councillor Nancy Branscombe as its vice-chair at a meeting on Thursday, it said in a news release.
"I am honoured and humbled by my colleagues' confidence in me to lead during this critical moment," Gauss said in a statement.
"The Board thanks Ali for his service and community-focused leadership. We will continue his path to enhance public safety and advance meaningful operational and cultural reform. This includes ensuring that the LPS is equipped to meet the needs of our community by building a Service that reflects the diversity of our community."
Chahbar, who had served on the board since December 2021, announced his resignation in early May, citing personal health reasons. The nature of the health reasons was not disclosed.
Gauss first became a member of LPSB in 2023, beating out 53 other candidates who applied for the role and had been serving as the board's vice-chair.
His initial appointment didn't come without controversy. At the time, critics accused city council of putting political favours and relationships over the needs of the city's diverse communities, as Gauss was picked over two diverse candidates.
Gauss is also chief of staff for London Centre Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos and ran Mayor Josh Morgan's campaign in 2022 municipal election. Morgan is also a member of LPSB.
Branscombe has served on the board since 2022 and is also involved in other community groups, including her role as board chair for the Forest City Film Festival and the Forest City Youth Film Festival. In a statement on Thursday Branscombe said this is a pivotal time for police governance.
"We are proud of the steps taken to improve public safety in this City but acknowledge that much work is still ahead. I am grateful to be elected as Vice-Chair of the Board today," said Branscombe.
"I am confident that the strong positive working relationship between the Board, Chief Truong, and the LPS Leadership Team will keep us moving to modernize the Service and achieve our ultimate goal of a safer London."
The board said the province is taking steps to fill its vacant spot.