Newham Elects Labour’s Forhad Hussain as New Mayor

Forhad Hussain

Labour candidate Forhad Hussain has been elected as the new Mayor of Newham, securing 25,538 votes and ending an eight-year period under the borough’s previous mayoral leadership.

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. - Forhad Hussain

Mr Hussain will lead the East London borough for the next four years, formally taking office on Tuesday. He succeeds Rokhsana Fiaz, who completed two full terms as mayor.

Speaking after the result, Mr Hussain described the election as “the beginning of a new chapter” for the borough.

“The election matters because people deserve a choice,” he said. “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.”

He added: “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.”

Before becoming mayor, Mr Hussain served as a Labour councillor for Plaistow North between 2010 and 2018. During that period, he held senior cabinet positions overseeing commercial opportunities, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Attention has also focused on the performance of the Green Party of England and Wales in several wards across the borough. Green Party candidates secured victories in Forest Gate North and Stratford, reflecting growing support for smaller parties in parts of East London.

Among those elected were Matthew Carlile and Rachel Elizabeth Tripp in Forest Gate North, alongside Danny Keeling, Chae Ho Hwang and Sonia Quintero in Stratford. Nate Higgins and Joe Hudson-Small also won seats in Stratford Olympic Park.

Mr Hussain is now expected to appoint an executive cabinet responsible for major policy and spending decisions across the borough.

The full official announcement and results were published by Newham Council

Labour Stronghold Falls to Green Party for First Time Since 1990