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We are not in my view really into "pomp and circumstance" in Newham but this is the formal Annual General meeting of the Council and I freely admit to liking appropriate local historic traditions but this meeting is also very political.
While many do not understand that we have in Newham, a directly elected Executive Mayor, with very strong powers (I would prefer a different governance model but that boat has sailed), the AGM does elect important constitutional posts such as the Chairs of Council and of other important committees.
The election of these important positions was disrupted by some simply bizarre and aggressive interventions by the so called "Newham Independent Group" who stormed off in the middle of the meeting because they I think they did not understand what was going on.
In the election on May 7th, the Labour Candidate for Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain, won convincingly and will the be Executive Mayor for the next 4 years.
Labour is the single largest party but we did not win a majority of seats on this occasion (next time will be different). The Independents came next then the Greens. Council officers had made a recommendation to all the Groups about sharing Chairs of Council committees according to the number of seats each Group they held.
While I would of course rather the Labour Councillors elect all Chairs that was not going to happen . I will not comment on all the discussions that went on but it is crystal clear that the independents were wheeling and dealing and for them to suggest otherwise is just hypocritical and rather silly.
Labour and Green members voted largely to adopt the original Council officers recommendations about a fairish allocation of positions while it was clear to me that the independents did not understand that they had been given some of the most important positions in the Council outside the Executive but they still were against?
I pointed out to them during the debate that Mayor Forhad Hussain had "put the hand of friendship out to the Independent group and to the Greens”.
However, the fact of the matter is that the Independent group did not wish to work with the mayor for the betterment of Newham and our residents.” https://www.newhamcitizen.co.uk/newham-independents-green-labour-council-roles/
Apart from this daftness the meeting ran smoothly and it was good to meet up with many comrades and guests.
Sunday started early with a cycle over to my ward and a hearty breakfast at the Plaistow Café — the kind of place where the tea is strong, the portions generous, and the conversations even better.
From there I joined local residents for a site visit at a long‑derelict plot in West Ham where they hope to build a much‑needed community centre. I made clear that I’ll be a critical friend to the project: supportive, experienced, and honest about what specialist advice and guidance they’ll need to turn a great idea into a real, sustainable asset for local people. My ward colleague Cllr Adjoa Kwarteng could not attend but will be organising another site visit.
Next stop was West Ham Park, where I met our newly elected Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain. We treated ourselves to a Rossi ice cream and took a walk around the park. It felt a bit like accompanying a film star — every few steps someone stopped to congratulate him, shake his hand, or ask for a selfie. The warmth and pride from residents was unmistakable.
A good Sunday: community at its best, people with ambition for their neighbourhood, and a Mayor who clearly connects with those he serves.
Check out Newham Council Press release for further details https://www.newham.gov.uk/news/article/1551/mayor-hussain-unveils-his-first-cabinet
"Mayor Forhad Hussain has appointed a new cabinet focused on better services, affordable homes and giving residents a stronger voice, with four councillors leading key portfolios across Newham.
Mayor of Newham Forhad Hussain has named his first cabinet focused on delivering better services, more affordable homes and with a pledge to give residents more say on major issues.
Mayor Hussain was elected last week to lead the borough for the next four years and will be supported by a four-person cabinet.
The first cabinet members are:
Cllr John Gray - Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing
Cllr Lakmini Shah - Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities
Cllr Susan Masters - Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment
Cllr Zulfiqar Ali - Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources
Mayor Hussain whilst responsible for overall political leadership, will be responsible for community safety and regeneration as part of the first cabinet. Mayor Hussain previously served as a Labour councillor in Plaistow North from 2010-2018 where he also held senior roles as Cabinet Member for Commercial Opportunities and then as Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour.
Mayor Forhad Hussain said: “This is a new chapter for Newham, and I’m proud to be appointing a cabinet rooted in our borough and committed to delivering for local people.
“We were elected on a clear promise to put residents first - to build a council that listens, gets the basics right and delivers real change people can see in their neighbourhoods.
“This team has the experience and local knowledge to help us make Newham cleaner, safer and fairer, strengthen our communities, and rebuild trust by showing we can deliver.”
Full details of each portfolio will be announced at the first Annual Meeting of the new administration on Wednesday May 20".
