Visit my
website at mayor.newham.gov.uk for news, pictures and
all you need to know about the role of Mayor.
As directly elected Mayor, it is my responsibility to:
• Give clear and accountable leadership to the
council
• Listen to residents, employees and business owners who live
and work in Newham
• Provide the best possible services to the people of Newham
• Work to promote growth and prosperity in Newham and the
well-being of its people
• Represent the interests of the borough to Government, the
organisers of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and other
private or public sector bodies
Legislation was passed in 2000 which allowed people to elect local
mayors. After holding a referendum, Newham was one of eleven local
authorities which chose to revolutionise the way it operates and
scrap the century-old committee system of decision making.
In 2002, I was elected as Mayor of Newham and leader of the
council, with full responsibility for executive decisions. I was
re-elected as Mayor in May 2006. My work is done with the help of a
Deputy Mayor, currently Councillor Christine Bowden, a cabinet and
mayoral advisors.
The former civic and ceremonial role of the mayor was passed to the
Civic Ambassador, currently Councillor Pearson Shillingford, Chair
of the Council. The Civic Ambassador's duties include promoting the
borough, welcoming official visitors, supporting charities and good
causes and attending events.
The starting point for my role as Mayor is to provide the services
that people in Newham want and deserve. I frequently go out and
about in the borough and listen to residents' views and concerns;
their desire for cleaner and safer streets; their opinions about
education and health care. I regularly hold meet-the-Mayor sessions
where you can come and ask me questions and talk to caseworkers
about specific issues.
As Mayor, I am Newham's advocate, champion, spokesperson and
defender. My access to government ministers and business leaders on
national and international levels is crucial to promoting growth,
prosperity and improved quality of life in the borough.
I campaigned hard on the Olympic Bid Committee and for the
relocation of the British International Motor Show to Newham.
I will work to build on these successes, and as Newham moves to the
centre of the national and international stage, I will do my utmost
to ensure that people who live and work in this borough will share
in its future prosperity.
Visit my
website at
mayor.newham.gov.uk.
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