Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta has taken on the ceremonial role described as ‘Mayor’ in boroughs that do not have an executive mayor

Cllr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta, First Citizen of Newham, in ceremonial robes — Cllr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta

Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta has been elected Chair of Newham Council.He takes over from Councillor Rohima Rahman.
Councillor Dasgupta, originally from Kolkata, India, is currently an Associate Professor in Gender Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Glasgow University.

He has represented Canning Town South Ward since 2018 and was re-elected in May 2022. Since then he has worked on the Borough’s Social Integration Strategy.

He is the first individual of Indian Bengali origin and queer identified to be elected to this position.

Speaking at his inauguration he said he was “deeply aware of the significance and responsibility” that the role carried. Adding that while he would uphold the non-political nature of the position he would also “speak from the heart”.

He said: “Newham has been my home for over a decade and like so many who have contributed to the richness of this borough, I was embraced by its diversity, warmth, and incredible sense of community.

“I am proud that Newham has never shied away from declaring loudly and clearly that no matter your faith, your sexuality, your gender identity, or ethnicity, you are welcome here.”

Councillor Imam Haque was elected Vice Chair of the Council.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.