THE NEW Labour Mayor of Newham, Forhad Hussain, will have an interesting four years as he battles a Council without a Labour majority.

In one sense, the composition of the Council does not matter, as the Executive Mayor has delegated powers to govern. The added bonus for Hussain is that in Newham, he can appoint whomever he wants to his Cabinet. He is not restricted to only appointing Councillors, as in Tower Hamlets, for example.

The result:
•Labour Party, 26 Councillors
•Newham Independents Party, 24 Councillors
•Green Party, 16 Councillors

On the other hand, though, having a Council without a Labour majority could be troublesome. Although the Council cannot make policy, except on some strategic plans, councillors can use Council meetings to express dissent. Alone, that would not make much difference, but if that dissent is backed up with public petitions and use of the Scrutiny System, it could make life very difficult for Hussain.

The Greens and the Independents are almost all new to the Council, and they will have to think very carefully about what tactics to adopt – and learn fast. The two parties have already said that they will work together on the Council to get their shared views across. The budget for this current year has been set, but at the start of 2027, a new budget will be prepared, and it is here where the opposition with a two thirds majority has the most potential to influence what is going on.

It need not all be gloom and doom, though. Hussain is no natural Starmer supporter, and there is every chance he can be persuaded to follow policies that are good for the people of Newham without associating himself with Starmer’s Government.

After the result was declared, Hussain said:
“The election matters because people deserve a choice. Democracy works when people are willing to step forward and serve. I start work next week with energy and determination to deliver for every part of the borough. This is the beginning of a new chapter for the borough. Together we will build a Newham where every resident will be proud to call home. It is the honour of my life to be elected Mayor of Newham, the borough that made me.”
This is tantamount to an acknowledgement that he will need to work with the other elected parties. Now all he needs to do is to work out how.

This is the first time in living memory that Newham Labour hasn’t had a massive majority. Politics in the borough has suddenly come alive, with the first meaningful opposition.  It will be an interesting four years.

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