Newham has a lot to celebrate today as Thursdays local election saw Councillor Rokhsana Fiaz become not only the new Mayor but the first woman directly elected as leader of a London borough and the first woman of colour to be elected Mayor in the whole of the UK.

Rokhsana is a local who grew up in Newham and became a councillor in Custom House ward in 2014. She has worked with many community groups and addressed issues that effect not only the people of custom house but across including housing, homelessness, regeneration, the London Stadium investment, council loans, Stop and Search and youth services provision.

Rokhsana said: “I would like to thank the people of Newham for putting their faith and trust in me, in Labour, and in my vision for our borough. This council will not only look very different, but will be different with more transparency, accountability and residents involved in decision making.

Her election promises included 1,000 new homes at social rent in the first four years, to double the amount of youth hubs in the borough establishing a Youth Safety Board and to gave residents a meaningful voice and access to decision making.

Rokhsana  continued “As Mayor, I will put the people of Newham at the heart of everything I do. This will be a collaborative joint enterprise between residents, myself, councillors and the council.”

The first new Mayor in 23 years is accompanied by a new look council made completely of Labour councillors, which includes 28 woman.

Rokhsana said: “I am delighted that the age, gender and ethnic background of our the 60 Labour councillors more accurately reflects our young and diverse borough.”

We are yet to see if this new council will deliver on their promises and how the new Mayor will shape Newham but there is one thing for sure this is a huge step forward for Newham and the rest of the county in the constant fight of gender equality.