Latest news with #BarkingandDagenhamCouncil
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Nigerian-British woman makes history as UK's youngest mayor at just 29 years old
29-year-old Princess Opeyemi Bright has been inaugurated as the youngest mayor in the United Kingdom, holding the position of First Citizen of Barking and Dagenham in London A Nigerian-British woman has made history after she was elected the youngest mayor in the UK. Princess Opeyemi Bright now holds the esteemed position of First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The 29-year-old was officially inaugurated in a ceremony on Friday, May 16. It marks a new chapter for British politics and helps shine a light on and celebrate Nigeria and its history. In her inaugural address, Councillor Bright shared her vision of a civic leadership grounded in inclusivity, pride and community service. She said: "I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home." She continued: "As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough — honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses." Born to Nigerian parents in Homerton Hospital, and a resident of Barking and Dagenham since 2009, the trailblazer was first elected as a Councillor in 2018 at the age of just 22. Over the years she has gone on to serve as a school governor, a board member of an NGO, and continues to be an inspirational mentor for students who aspire to be leaders and professionals themselves. Councillor Bright brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and public service, and as part of her mayoral duties will support two charities very close to her heart. The first is Ab Phab Youth Club, a local initiative that provides inclusive youth activities and support for disabled and non-disabled young people. And also Crohn's & Colitis UK, a national charity offering critical support and advocacy for people living with inflammatory bowel diseases. The new mayor was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2011 and said: "Through this partnership, I aim to raise awareness, advocate for better support, and bring hope to those affected." In a statement on the Barking and Dagenham Council website, a spokesperson stated: "During her mayoral year, Cllr Bright is committed to fostering a sense of unity and belonging across the borough. Her focus will be on inclusivity, dignity, and connection — making sure all residents, regardless of background, feel valued and seen. The council extends its heartfelt thanks to outgoing Mayor Cllr Moin Quadri for his dedicated service and congratulates Cllr Princess Bright on her appointment."
Evening Standard
17-05-2025
- Business
- Evening Standard
Revealed: London borough with highest number of tenants threatened with eviction
A spokesman for Barking and Dagenham Council said: 'We know times our tough for many residents due to the cost-of-living crisis, and to help them through this we provide financial support through our Homes and Money Hub, as well as the opportunity of access to affordable housing through Reside.
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Business
- BBC News
London mayor to attend property conference amid growth push
London's mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is to go to Europe's biggest property conference this year for the first a move seen as reflecting the central importance of the Labour government's growth agenda, he will attend MIPIM in event - held over four days in Cannes on the French Riviera - is an opportunity to meet international developers and property moguls interested in investing in the Livingstone and Boris Johnson both attended as mayor, seeing it as an opportunity to bang the drum for London, but in eight years Sir Sadiq had chosen not to go. With London experiencing an acute shortage of affordable homes, it will be an opportunity for the mayor to meet developers and investors who could year deputy mayor Jules Pipe represented City Hall while then Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell and City Corporation leader Chris Hayward led a delegation promoting the capital under the banner "Opportunity London".One of those previously involved in the London campaign, who asked not to be named, said it had been disappointing that Sir Sadiq had not attended before."He has not felt comfortable meeting developers so far but it seems he now recognises the importance of this event, and that is a good thing," they said. Sir Keir Starmer has placed growth at the heart of his government's plans, putting pressure on mayors and council leaders to come up with ideas for boosting their local deputy mayor for business Howard Dawber is finishing off the capital's new "growth strategy" which is due to be launched at the end of next are strong indications that the government will on Wednesday revive plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, as a clear signal of its dash for Sadiq has previously opposed expansion and said his position had not said he had been guided by the previous verdict of the independent Climate Change Committee that a third runway would conflict with net zero obligations and carbon emission is understood the mayor's schedule at MIPIM has not been finalised but is likely to include at least one set-piece speech at the main London stand.
