Maria Christofi – currently in charge of council finances – has been put forward to fill the vacancy, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter

A new top boss could soon take over at Newham Council after winning the mayor’s backing.

Labour mayor Forhad Hussain has recommended that Maria Christofi – currently in charge of council finances – becomes the town hall’s new chief executive.

Hussain said Christofi’s appointment to the non-political role would be a “significant moment for Newham”.

Christofi, if her appointment is approved by a vote of all councillors, will take over as the council’s most senior manager next month.

It means she is set to be the town hall’s third chief executive in three years – and its sixth since 2018.

She would replace Paul Martin, who took over as interim chief executive in July 2025 following the resignation of the previous top boss Abi Gbago.

Martin said Christofi “brings outstanding leadership experience, a strong track record of delivering change and a deep commitment to public service”.

Christofi arrived at the council in September 2025 as an interim assistant chief executive before becoming its corporate director of resources – the person in charge of finances – in January.

In that role she oversaw the setting of this year’s council budget, in which she built in three “lines of defence” aimed at controlling spending.

These included a £10million contingency fund for services overtaken by spiralling costs, and a business risk reserve equal to 10% of the overall budget to act as a “final safety net”.

The budget also included £31m of “savings” – both spending cuts and income-raising plans.

If Christofi’s appointment is approved, her salary will rise from at least £176,061 to a maximum of £238,419 a year, according to the council’s pay policy.

The mayor and councillors on a chief officer appointments committee voted unanimously to recommend Christofi’s appointment last Friday (19th June).

Aside from Hussain, the committee was made up of one Labour member, two Newham Independents and one Green councillor.

A meeting of all councillors is set to vote on whether to approve Christofi’s appointment on Monday, 13th July.

Hussain said: “I am delighted to recommend Maria for appointment as chief executive, with the full support of the chief officer appointment committee.

“This is a significant moment for Newham as we continue to deliver our vision for a borough that works for residents and creates a place that they are proud to call home. ”

He added: “I look forward to working closely with Maria and colleagues across the council as we continue to build a Newham that delivers on the ambitions of our residents.”

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