Havering residents get new council leadership: local impact

Richard Webb 2026-05-29 12:20 2 min read

High angle view of a legislative assembly chamber filled with people sitting

By beehiveweb.co.uk local news desk

Havering Council has confirmed its new political administration after Reform UK’s local election win, with Councillor Keith Prince AM appointed Leader of Havering Council at the borough’s annual general meeting.

The meeting, held after the May 2026 local elections, also confirmed a new Havering Council Cabinet to oversee key local services including finance, housing, highways, planning, public realm, customer services, children’s services and adult health.

Keith Prince confirmed as council leader

Councillor Keith Prince AM, who also serves as London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, will lead the new administration.

He said residents had “voted for change” and that the council would focus on cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, value for taxpayers and town centre pride. He also said the administration would seek to deliver for all residents, regardless of how they voted.

The leadership change sets the direction for Havering Council’s work across day-to-day services that affect households, businesses and community groups across the borough.

Cabinet roles covering local services

Councillor Sue Benjamins has been appointed Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance. Other senior roles include Councillor Sean McMahon for Customer Services, Councillor Graham Day for Adults and Health, Councillor Kevin Gill for Children, and Councillor Martin Lardner for Housing Allocations.

Havering residents get new council leadership: local impact

Councillor Terry Brown will oversee Planning and Public Protection, Councillor Robert Whitton will cover Regeneration and Property, Councillor Alex Sibley will take responsibility for Highways, and Councillor Martynas Cekavicius will lead on Public Realm.

These portfolios cover services residents commonly contact the council about, including road conditions, street cleanliness, housing pressures, planning decisions and support for vulnerable people.

New Mayor and committee appointments

The AGM also appointed Councillor Maggie Themistocli, ward councillor for Hylands and Harrow Lodge, as Mayor of Havering, replacing Councillor Sue Ospreay.

Councillor Christine Vickery, who represents Squirrels Heath ward, has been appointed Deputy Mayor.

Councillors also agreed committee appointments, including roles linked to scrutiny and strategic planning, alongside Member Champion positions. Havering Council said residents can find the full list of councillors and details of the council’s decision-making structure on its website.

Source: London Borough of Havering

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This report is based on Havering Council’s announcement of its annual meeting appointments and cabinet roles.

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