New Speaker and key appointments confirmed at AGM

Tower Hamlets Speaker Councillor Musthak Ahmed

The Borough’s new Speaker and Deputy have been confirmed following the Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place at Whitechapel Town Hall on Wednesday 20 May.  

Councillor Musthak Ahmed who is a councillor for the Bethnal Green West ward was elected as Speaker. The new Deputy Speaker is Councillor Iqbal Hossain, who represents Lansbury ward on the council. 

The Speaker will attend civic and ceremonial functions as the borough’s First Citizen and act as an ambassador across the borough, celebrating local achievements and successes. His additional duties include chairing meetings of the Council and receiving important visitors to the borough. 

Following his election, the Speaker said: “Tonight is a moment of deep honour, humility and profound responsibility. I want to thank the people of Tower Hamlets whose democratic mandate makes public service possible, and whose trust remains the greatest honour any elected representative can ever receive.  

“My earlier years were shaped by ordinary work, long hours and quiet determination. I worked in restaurants, in business and later returned to education as a mature student whilst raising a young family. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the dignity of work, the importance of opportunity, and the sacrifices quietly made day by day by ordinary people. 

He added: “Tower Hamlets is one of the great examples of modern Britain; diverse, resilient, ambitious and deeply rooted in communuity.” 

The Speaker confirmed that he will be formally announcing his official charities at the next Council meeting.  

The AGM also confirmed the new administration’s cabinet portfolios and chairs of several key council committees, following the recent local elections held on Thursday May 7 2026. 

The confirmed cabinet portfolios and lead members are:  

The Chairs of a number of key committees were also confirmed: