Mayor of Newham Forhad Hussain has promised to “put power back in the hands of the people” at the first Annual Council Meeting where some of key positions were filled.
The first annual meeting held at East Ham Town Hall brought all 66 elected councillors together.
The meeting confirmed key appointments to the council for the year ahead.
Green Group Councillor Nate Higgins (Stratford Olympic Park) will be council chair for the year ahead after securing the support of councillors, while Cllr Dr Rohit K Dasgupta (Canning Town South) will serve as Vice Chair. Further roles will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Mayor Hussain made his first speech to the annual meeting where he promised to focus on cleaner streets, community safety and fairer parking charges.
He also vowed to put more power in the hands of local people to make decisions on issues that affect their lives.
Mayor Forhad Hussain said: “We want to put power back where it belongs, with the people of Newham. People are tired of feeling decisions are made without them.
“They want to be listened to, involved and respected. So, we will give communities more say over local decisions.
We will give local families the respect, the tools and the power to make a difference on their doorstep. Because local people know their neighbourhoods best.
“For too long, power has been centralised in Newham – that stops now. Instead, we’re going to inspire and support community activism, bring local people together and empower them to make positive changes in their neighbourhoods.
“Whether it’s youth projects, coffee mornings, neighbourhood clean ups or weekend homework clubs – the people of Newham know best, and we’re ready to bring their vision to life. “
Council Chair Cllr Higgins said: " I didn’t know, when I first moved to Newham almost ten years ago, that I would be sitting here today. I didn’t grow up in Newham, but I chose Newham.
“Newham residents have chosen for the first time to elect a council with no single party in control. We all have a responsibility to build consensus to make this work in the best interests of Newham.
“We must take that responsibility seriously and to start as we mean to continue. As Chair of the Council, I intend to facilitate this change in culture.”
Last week, the Mayor announced his cabinet team with Cllr John Gray appointed Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing.
Cllr Lakmini Shah was appointed Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities; Cllr Susan Masters will lead as Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment and Cllr Zulfiqar Ali has been named Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.
