THIS IS how things used to be in East London: a huge majority for Labour Councillors, with a small opposition – a Labour Leader and a Labour Cabinet. It’s a team full of hope. Will that be enough?
There is no Directly Elected Mayor in Barking & Dagenham, so the Council had to meet to elect a Leader. With their comfortable majority (38 councillors out of 51), Labour voted in Cllr Dominic Twomey – who then announced his Cabinet. All Cabinet Members are Labour councillors. It’s a diverse Cabinet of nine plus the Leader – a balanced team of five men and five women, with sensible job titles making it clear what they are responsible for. The Cabinet is: •Leader and Cabinet Member for People, Place, & Partnerships: Cllr Dominic Twomey •Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Business & Engagement: Councillor Saima Ashraf •Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health: Councillor Maureen Worby •Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services: Councillor Rocky Gill •Cabinet Member for Childrens Social Care, Education & Schools: Councillor Jane Jones •Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change: Councillor Kashif Haroon •Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Enforcement: Councillor Syed Ghani •Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage & Leisure: Councillor Simon Perry •Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy & Skills: Councillor Rubina Siddiqui •Cabinet Assistant (Arts & Culture): Councillor Lucy Lee
Leader Cllr Dominic Twomey set out his intentions, saying: “I’m really proud of what we have achieved together so far, we’ve set strong foundations, and there is a lot more to do. Over the next four ye•ars, we will keep delivering on what matters most to our residents. Our overriding priority is tackling child poverty – making sure every child in Barking and Dagenham has the best possible start in life. “Alongside this, we will continue to focus on creating cleaner, safer neighbourhoods, delivering more affordable homes, and improving our high streets and town centres so they can thrive. “We will continue to bring investment into the borough to create real opportunities for local people – building on successes including the film studios and our partnership with Queen Mary University London to improve health outcomes. “I’m really looking forward to transformative major programmes we will deliver including £40m of Pride in Place funding and millions of National Heritage Lottery Funding which will build stronger communities and culture, improve local spaces, and support thriving neighbourhoods. “We’re committed to protecting and enhancing our green spaces and making our borough a place we can all be proud of. There is a lot of exciting work ahead, and I look forward to working closely with our residents to deliver the best possible future for Barking and Dagenham.”
The Council also elected Cllr Manzoor Hussain (Labour) as their ceremonial mayor. He announced that he will support two charities this year: The Adanna Women’s Support Group and Prostate Cancer UK. Mayor Hussain said, “I am deeply honoured to be appointed Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for 2026/27. This borough means so much to me, and I look forward to representing our residents, celebrating our communities, and championing the incredible work of my chosen charities throughout the year. I will do my very best to serve with pride, compassion, and dedication.”
The Council also paid tribute to retiring Mayor Princess Bright Olaifa, who had done much to support her chosen charities and the borough’s communities. The highlight of her term in office had been welcoming the King and Queen, who had visited the borough in February.
Voters will be looking forward to hearing how Labour is going to ensure its Administration lives up to its ideals.
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