Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE has lived in Newham all her life. She has worked in the development of interfaith dialogue and campaigned on issues of justice and equality throughout her career. Rokhsana was elected Mayor of Newham in May 2018 on a radical manifesto and is now delivering on this, with a policy agenda underpinned by community wealth building principles. This includes one of the most ambitious affordable housing programmes in London, a whole council approach to facing the climate emergency, an extensive programme to tackle racism and disproportionality and a new council directorate dedicated to making Newham the best place for children and young people to grow up. Under Rokhsana’s leadership, Newham has become the first local authority in the country to make the health, happiness and wellbeing of its residents the key indicator of economic success and she is proud to have established the first standing citizen’s assembly in the country.

The Mayor of Newham is also the portfolio lead for planning and regeneration and the topic of 15 Minute Neighbourhoods. She is pleased that residents have chosen this issue to focus as it brings so many opportunities to build a healthier, more sustainable and prosperous Newham.