Barking and Dagenham Council’s annual meeting elected Councillor Dominic Twomey as Leader of the Council on Friday 22 May.
The council Leader has confirmed his Cabinet team, who will support him in delivering his priorities for the borough.
The full Cabinet:
- 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
Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the council said: “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 years, 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.”
Cllr Manzoor Hussain appointed Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for 2026/27
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has appointed Councillor Manzoor Hussain as the new Mayor for the municipal year 2026/27, following its annual council meeting on Friday 22 May.
Cllr Hussain, a Labour councillor representing Abbey Ward, takes over the ceremonial role from outgoing Mayor Princess Bright Olaifa, who has served during 2025/26.
During the coming year, Mayor Hussain will support the following two charities:
- The Adanna Women’s Support Group which is a community organisation that empowers Black, Asian and Multi-Ethnic women through confidence-building and economic support to help them rebuild their lives and overcome poverty.
- Prostate Cancer UK which raises awareness of prostate cancer risk, provides expert information and support, funds research for better detection and treatment, and campaigns for early diagnosis.
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 paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Princess Bright Olaifa, for her tireless service over the past year, including her fantastic work to support her charities and the borough’s communities, and for welcoming Their Royal Highnesses, King Charles III and Queen Camilla in February.
Residents, community groups, and local organisations can invite the Mayor to attend events throughout the year by completing the online request form.