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:
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Cllr John Gray - Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing
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Cllr Lakmini Shah - Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities
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Cllr Susan Masters - Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment
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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.