The new Labour mayor of Tower Hamlets has vowed to fight any further government attempts to cut public services in London’s East End.
John Biggs appointed three deputy mayors for his new cabinet from Labour ranks at last week’s council meeting, the first since his June 7 election which saw the end of the “divisive” Lutfur Rahman years at the Town Hall.
He is splitting reponsibilities for managing the £1.2 billion budget rather than keeping a tight ‘one man’ executive grip on the authority like his predecessor.
“We are committed to rebuilding our communities’ confidence,” Mayor Biggs promised.
“We are putting residents first and protecting the services they rely on as government cuts bite.
“The new cabinet will enable sound leadership, expertise and transparency.”
Labour’s group leader on the council, Rachael Saunders, becomes his Deputy Mayor responsible for education and children’s services, while Sirajul Islam takes over housing management and Shiria Khatun takes on community affairs.
Six more cabinet members have also been drawn from Labour—Rachel Blake for strategic development, former group leader Joshua Peck for work and economic growth, Amy Whitelock Gibbs for health and adult services, Asma Begum for culture, Ayas Miah for the environment and one-time deputy council leader David Edgar for resources.
Abdul Mukith continues as Speaker of the Council for a second term and Rajib Ahmed is appointed his deputy.
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