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In a night of shifting political tides across the capital, Forhad Hussain has etched his name into the history books as the first person of Bangladeshi heritage to be elected Mayor of a London borough form a mainstream political party. The Labour candidate, whose roots trace back to Sylhet, secured a definitive mandate from the residents of Newham, signaling a fresh start for one of London’s most diverse and dynamic communities. A seasoned engineer and community leader, Forhad Hussain brings a formidable blend of technical expertise and administrative experience to the Mayor’s office. Educated at NewVIc and Imperial College London, where he earned his degree in engineering, Mr Hussain’s career has been defined by a commitment to public service and community resilience. Farhad Hossain is the son of Zainal Abedin (also known as Horuf Mia), hailing from the village of Islampur (Noorpur) in the Balaganj district of Sylhet.
The Mandate for Change
Mr Hussain claimed victory with 25,538 votes, filling the vacancy left by the outgoing Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, who served two full terms. His election comes at a pivotal moment; while Labour faced significant headwinds elsewhere in London—losing ground to both the Green Party and Reform UK in traditional heartlands—the Newham result provides a crucial anchor for the party in East London.
Labour secured 25,538 votes, ahead of Mehmood Mirza from the Newham Independents Party with 20,234 votes. While another British Bangladeshi Green Party candidate Areeq Chowdhury received 18,999 votes.
No lessons learned it looks like after what happened in GE in Tower Hamlets over vote splitting.
_Where are the ones who pushed for Muslims to vote for the Green Party now???_
The Mayor-elect is no stranger to the inner workings of the borough. A former councillor for Plaistow North between 2010 and 2018, he previously oversaw high-stakes portfolios including Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour and Commercial Opportunities. This depth of experience was a central pillar of his campaign, which focused on stability and community resilience.
"The Honour of My Life"
Speaking to journalists immediately after the declaration, Mr Hussain expressed the gravity of the moment. "This is the beginning of a new chapter for the borough," he said. "It is the honour of my life to be elected Mayor of Newham, the borough that made me. Democracy works when people are willing to step forward and serve."
His victory was noted with particular significance in Daily Dazzling Dawn, where the milestone of a Bangladeshi-origin leader in a mainstream party was hailed as a historic breakthrough for representation in British local government. Hussain’s ascent reflects the demographic and cultural heart of Newham, a borough that has long been a gateway for migrant communities.
The Challenges Ahead
The new Mayor does not have the luxury of a slow start. He is expected to formally take up his role this Tuesday, with his first priority being the formation of an executive cabinet to tackle the borough’s pressing housing and cost-of-living crises.
The wider election results in Newham also tell a story of a changing political landscape. While Labour maintained control of the council, the surge in support for Independent candidates and the Green Party across East London suggests that the new administration will face a more vocal and diverse opposition than in previous years.
What Happens Next
Mr Hussain has pledged to begin work with "energy and determination" from next week. His administration’s success will likely be measured by its ability to bridge the gap between Newham’s rapid urban development and the lived experiences of its long-term residents. With the Senedd and other regional strongholds showing signs of Labour fatigue, all eyes will be on Newham to see if this "new chapter" can provide a blueprint for urban governance under pressure.
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