New leader of Barking and Dagenham Council chosen

Dominic Twomey is the new leader of Barking and Dagenham Council
-Credit: (Image: Barking and Dagenham Council webcast)


The new leader of Barking and Dagenham Council has been chosen as Dominic Twomey. Cllr Twomey made his first speech as council leader during last night's full council meeting (Wednesday, September 18).

It comes after former leader Darren Rodwell announced in July that he would be standing down this month after being in post since May 2014. At the time the council said Mr Rodwell would continue as a council member however he has now stepped down from his role as a Northbury ward councillor having served the area since 2010.

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Cllr Twomey has been a Gascoigne ward councillor since 2010 and was the deputy leader and cabinet member for finances, growth for the last 10 years.

Saima Ashraf has replaced Cllr Twomey as the new deputy leader of the council, and will continue as cabinet member for community leadership and engagement.

During last night's council meeting, Cllr Twomey said: "I would like to begin by thanking all of my colleagues in this room and those that couldn't attend tonight for putting your faith in me as the new leader of the council.

"Words can't really express how honoured I feel to have been given this opportunity to speak on our collective behalf and to continue to serve this amazing community but just in a different role."

He went on to say: "I need to acknowledge the huge contribution that Darren has made over the last 10 years as leader, having stood by his side as deputy leader throughout this past decade but actually the impact that he's made.

"Since 2007 or late 2006 when we took on as a community, as a Labour Party, as a group that came together and drove the [British National Party] out of this borough in 2010, which is still in some ways the biggest achievement - although we've done great things since."

'After 10 years as council leader it's time for me to step aside'

Mr Rodwell congratulated Cllr Twomey and Cllr Ashraf on their new roles, and said: "I would like to thank every cabinet member for their hard work and support, and every councillor in this chamber, every officer past and present.

"Throughout the 10 years of my leadership it has truly been a team effort."

He later said: "After 10 years as council leader it's time for me to step aside and allow new leadership and to build the foundations we've created. It's been the greatest honour of my life to serve this borough, my family, my community and to work with all of you and to witness first hand the transformation which has been incredible."

Cllr Ashraf said: "Thank you for everything, it's been an honour and pleasure and I'm kind of excited to see what's next for you."

Mr Rodwell was due to stand as the Labour candidate for Barking at the general election but a sexual harassment allegation was made against him in June, which he 'utterly refuted'.

He went on to claim that the timing of the allegation was a 'deliberate attempt to besmirch my name' and prevent him from standing as the Labour candidate for Barking. Mr Rodwell went on to withdraw his candidacy and said he was left feeling 'incredibly hurt' which was 'particularly upsetting for my family'.

In a statement posted on X in July, Mr Rodwell said the Labour Party had dismissed the allegation. He said he remained focused on 'playing my part' in supporting the new Labour government. Mr Rodwell was replaced by former Enfield Council leader, Nesil Caliskan, who went on to win the Barking consituency with 16,227 votes. According to Enfield Council's website, Ms Caliskan remains a councillor for Jubilee ward.

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