Havering Council has held its first annual general meeting (AGM) since the May local elections, formally appointing the borough’s new administration following Reform UK’s victory at the polls.
The AGM confirmed Councillor Keith Prince AM, London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, as Leader of Havering Council, alongside a new Cabinet that will help set the Council’s direction and oversee the delivery of services for residents across the borough.
The confirmed Cabinet is:
- Cllr Keith Prince - Leader of Havering Council
- Cllr Sue Benjamins - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
- Cllr Sean McMahon - Cabinet Member for Customer Services
- Cllr Graham Day - Cabinet Member for Adults and Health
- Cllr Kevin Gill - Cabinet Member for Children
- Cllr Martin Lardner - Cabinet Member for Housing Allocations
- Cllr Terry Brown - Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection
- Cllr Robert Whitton - Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property
- Cllr Alex Sibley - Cabinet Member for Highways
- Cllr Martynas Cekavicius - Cabinet Member for Public Realm
Councillor Keith Prince AM, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“I want to thank residents across Havering for voting for change and for placing their trust in this new administration.
"We have heard clearly that people want a Council that focuses on the basics, listens to local concerns and delivers better results for our borough.
“Our priorities are clear: cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, better value for taxpayers and renewed pride in our town centres and communities.
"We are determined to improve the services residents rely on, from highways and public realm to housing, regeneration and customer services.
“We know there are challenges ahead, but this administration is here to deliver for everyone in Havering, regardless of how they voted, where they live or what community they come from.
"We want to bring people together, strengthen community cohesion and ensure every resident feels listened to, respected and represented as we work to make our borough better for all.”
The AGM also saw the appointment of a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, continuing the borough’s civic tradition of representing and supporting communities across Havering.
Councillor Maggie Themistocli, ward councillor for Hylands and Harrow Lodge, replaces Councillor Sue Ospreay as Mayor of Havering. Meanwhile, Councillor Christine Vickery, who represents Squirrels Heath ward, has been appointed Deputy Mayor.
Councillors also agreed appointments to the committees that help oversee, scrutinise and determine Council business, including Overview and Scrutiny and the Strategic Planning Committee, as well as a number of Member Champion roles.
Residents can find the full list of councillors and more information about the Council’s decision-making structure on the Council’s website.