'Have your say in how Newham is run this May'

On the same day, we will get to decide whether we want to keep our right to vote for mayor of Newham in a referendum I promised three years ago, when I stood for election to be your champion as the mayor.

The referendum will give you the option to choose how the council is run in the future: whether you continue to have the power to directly elect a mayor or hand that power to a group of councillors who will decide amongst themselves who should be in charge.

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz wants residents to stick to Covid-rules as cases increase. (Image: Andrew Baker)

Right now, you have the right to elect the mayor of Newham and the right to choose your advocate at the council - the person who provides leadership that reflects the best interests of all the residents of the borough and is your champion.

You also have the right to vote out the mayor of Newham as well. That is democracy.

I think that is a good balance, but some local politicians think they should pick who is your voice - not you. The council currently has 60 councillors who vote on big decisions like the council budget, council tax and parking charges, as well as advocating for residents in their wards.

The referendum is one of a raft of measures which have been introduced to bring a genuine culture of democracy, accountability and transparency in how the council now operates

For example, the cabinet and the mayor now make all "executive" decisions collectively as a team; and through citizen assemblies’, residents now have a direct role in the council to shape the future of the borough and their neighbourhoods.

I think the more direct voice that people have; the more likely decisions are made in the best interests of people.

It is your right to decide, so whether you vote to keep your right to vote for mayor of Newham or not, make sure you vote on May 6, or beforehand if you have a postal vote.