Tower Hamlets confirms new Speaker after AGM

Aisha Khan Author 2026-05-26 20:13 2 min read

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Contents

New civic roles confirmed at Whitechapel Town Hall
Cabinet portfolios after the local elections
Committee chairs named

By demoduck.co.uk local news desk

Tower Hamlets Council has confirmed Councillor Musthak Ahmed as the borough’s new Speaker after its Annual General Meeting at Whitechapel Town Hall on Wednesday 20 May.

Councillor Ahmed, who represents Bethnal Green West, becomes the borough’s First Citizen for civic and ceremonial duties. Councillor Iqbal Hossain, who represents Lansbury, was confirmed as Deputy Speaker.

New civic roles confirmed at Whitechapel Town Hall

The Speaker represents Tower Hamlets at civic events, receives important visitors to the borough and chairs meetings of the full council. The role is separate from cabinet decision-making but is one of the borough’s most visible civic positions.

After his election, Councillor Musthak Ahmed described the appointment as “a moment of deep honour, humility and profound responsibility”. He said his earlier years in restaurant work, business and later education as a mature student had shaped his view of public service and opportunity.

He also said Tower Hamlets was “diverse, resilient, ambitious and deeply rooted in community”. The council said the Speaker will formally announce his official charities at the next council meeting.

Cabinet portfolios after the local elections

The AGM also confirmed the new administration’s cabinet portfolios following the local elections held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Councillor Maium Talukdar was confirmed as Statutory Deputy Mayor, with responsibility for tackling inequality and the cost of living, improving customer services and voluntary sector engagement.

Other cabinet roles went to Councillor Faysal Ahmed for children, young people and life chances; Councillor Saied Ahmed for homebuilding and council homes; Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury for finance, assets and governance; Councillor Sabina Akthar for healthy, caring and inclusive communities; Councillor Kabir Ahmed for safe communities and community cohesion; Councillor Minara Khatun for leisure, culture and tourism; Councillor Shafi Ahmed for a clean and green borough; and Councillor Shenaly Miah for jobs, enterprise, skills and growth.

Committee chairs named

Several committee chairs were also confirmed, including Councillor Halima Islam for Overview and Scrutiny, Councillor Abdul Wahid for Development, Councillor Amin Rahman for Strategic Development, Councillor Peter Golds for Licensing, and Councillor Harun Miah for Human Resources.

Source: Tower Hamlets Council