Newham mayor Rokhsana Fiaz has announced she will step aside at next year's elections after eight years in the role.
Fiaz said she would not seek re-election in May 2026, but promised to "champion and advocate for Newham residents day-in, day-out" until then.
The borough leader faced calls to resign last October when the borough was given the worst possible rating by the social housing regulator.
Fiaz also had to front up when the government recently issued the council with a ‘best value notice’ – an instruction to improve – citing serious weaknesses in its governance and culture.
In a statement announcing her intention to step down, Fiaz said: “I have been open and honest about the deep seated challenges the council has faced, such as the entrenched failures that led to our housing services being awarded a C4 rating by the social housing regulator; the extreme pressures as a result of London’s housing crisis and unprecedented numbers needing temporary accommodation that required us to seek Exceptional Financial Support from government.
“Most recently the non-statutory best value notice, requiring us to demonstrate to government and residents that the council can deliver the transformation and change that is needed, at the pace required shows the scale of the challenges that are entrenched.
“Already, there’s a comprehensive transformation and improvement plan in place, supported by independent experts.
“I wish whoever becomes the next Mayor of Newham every success in continuing Newham’s incredible journey for the benefit of our people and communities, and building on the legacy I started when I stepped into office in 2018 to serve."
Fiaz also highlighted some of the council's achievements during her tenure.
“The change we have seen over the last seven years has been significant: delivering award-winning council owned homes our people can afford which are so desperately needed; investing millions to restore neglected estates and neighbourhoods, including Carpenters, Custom House and Canning Town; building an inclusive growth economy locally where people are paid the London Living Wage, and are equipped with the skills and opportunities to thrive; and believing in our young people and their potential, making sure Newham is the best place for them to grow up and thrive.
“I’m proud that we are tackling poverty, racism, discrimination; and disadvantage, and responding to the climate emergency through our Just Transition plan."
She added: “Above all, it has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to serve the people of our wonderful borough, and I will continue to champion and advocate for Newham residents day-in, day-out until I step down in May 2026."
