Amy Lamé has stepped down as London’s night czar – and nightlife could be poorer for it | Ed Gillett

She was derided as toothless and overpaid – but often by right-wingers with a broader motive. Rather than cheer her departure, let’s advocate for London’s vibrant culture

Amy Lamé, London’s first night czar, announced on Wednesday that she is stepping down from her role championing the capital’s late-night culture, saying it is “the right time for me to move on”. But her departure, much like her eight-year tenure, has bitterly divided those who work, play, drink and dance after dark across the city.

To her supporters, the broadcaster and performer has been a committed and effective advocate for the night-time economy ever since Sadiq Khan appointed her in 2016. To her detractors, she’s “done more damage to culture than the Taliban” and proved that we don’t really need a night czar in the first place – an argument perhaps tacitly acknowledged by the mayor’s office declining to mention plans for a successor. “The forthcoming London Nightlife Taskforce will examine and address the issues facing the industries,” a statement read. “Any decisions on the night czar role will be taken once they have completed their work.”

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