Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE announced that she is not standing as a candidate for the Mayor of Newham in next May’s mayoral elections.
Speaking today, Mayor Fiaz said: “I stood for election as Mayor in 2018 because I care passionately about Newham and its people, in the place I’ve grown up and dearly love.”
“Above all, it has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to serve the people of our wonderful borough, and I will continue to champion and advocate for Newham residents day-in, day-out until I step down in May 2026.
“My values lead me to serve with integrity and honour; courageously striving to always do my best in the interests of Newham and its people.
“I love the opportunity to make our borough fairer, more tolerant, more green and healthier; more democratic and more prosperous for all. I have always done so with passion and an unshakeable spirit of progress for the people we serve, in collaboration with them and committed colleagues at the Council.
“Service to people and the opportunity to transform lives is the highest honour, and I am proud that together with the people of Newham and dedicated staff at the Council we have changed so much in our borough for the better.
“More homes people can afford, more jobs and opportunities, investment for our children and young people and an enduring commitment in helping people lead financially secure lives. I know that further improvements are needed at the Council to deliver best value and the fairer ambitions I have for our people. That is why my focus is delivering on my mission of opportunity Newham for them, now and always.
“The change we have seen over the last seven years has been significant: delivering award-winning council owned homes our people can afford which are so desperately needed; investing millions to restore neglected estates and neighbourhoods, including Carpenters, Custom House and Canning Town; building an inclusive growth economy locally where people are paid the London Living Wage, and are equipped with the skills and opportunities to thrive; and believing in our young people and their potential, making sure Newham is the best place for them to grow up and thrive.
“I’m proud that we are tackling poverty, racism, discrimination; and disadvantage, and responding to the climate emergency through our Just Transition plan. Our focus on tackling inequality and driving opportunity has meant that our diverse communities are being enabled to lead healthy and financially secure lives. Through our People Powered Places initiative, we have shifted power and decision-making from the Council to the community.
“I have been open and honest about the deep seated challenges the council has faced, such as the entrenched failures that led to our housing services being awarded a C4 rating by the social housing regulator; the extreme pressures as a result of London’s housing crisis and unprecedented numbers needing temporary accommodation that required us to seek Exceptional Financial Support from government.
“Most recently the non-statutory Best Value notice, requiring us to demonstrate to government and residents that the Council can deliver the transformation and change that is needed, at the pace required shows the scale of the challenges that are entrenched.
“Already, there’s a comprehensive transformation and improvement plan in place, supported by independent experts.
“I wish whoever becomes the next Mayor of Newham every success in continuing Newham’s incredible journey for the benefit of our people and communities, and building on the legacy I started when I stepped into office in 2018 to serve.
“Service to people and the opportunity to transform lives is the highest honour, and I am proud that together with the people of Newham and dedicated staff at the Council we have changed so much in our borough for the better.”
