Introduction to the Members' Pledge
The Tower Hamlets Members' Pledge is a new framework developed to support a healthier and more respectful political culture across the council.
It has been created following feedback from a range of external observers who have highlighted the impact that poor political relationships can have on decision‑making, staff wellbeing and public confidence.
It reflects the council’s commitment to strengthening our governance and ensuring that Tower Hamlets continues to meet its statutory Best Value duties.
The Pledge has been designed collectively by elected councillors from all sides of the chamber. Members worked together to reflect on their shared experiences, identify the behaviours that frustrate or inspire them, and agree a practical set of principles that can guide political conduct.
This pledge is their voice, their reflections, and their aspirations for a more welcoming and constructive environment in which to carry out their democratic roles.
The Mayor and the Leader of the Opposition have both endorsed the Pledge, demonstrating a shared ownership of our mission to improve political culture.
The Members' Pledge development process was supported by the Local Government Association and Centre for Governance and Scrutiny and is a key element of our work to improve our political culture as set out in the council’s Continuous Improvement Plan.
Joint foreword from Mayor Lutfur Rahman and Councillor Sirajul Islam
Tower Hamlets has experienced periods of significant political tension and division. This has challenged confidence in our local democratic institutions and strained relationships within our civic life.
The Members' Pledge represents an opportunity to acknowledge that history while signalling a shared intention to move forward differently.
It provides a practical framework for how we, as your elected representatives, can commit to conduct ourselves in a way that supports constructive debate, respectful disagreement, and effective decision‑making.
The Members' Pledge has been developed by councillors from across the Council chamber, working together to reflect on our own experiences and expectations. It is, deliberately, our voice — shaped through our discussion, informed by our perspectives, and grounded in the realities of political life in our borough.
The Pledge does not claim to eliminate disagreement or resolve every source of difficulty. Instead, it sets out a shared set of principles that we as elected councillors believe can support respectful debate, healthier working relationships, and more constructive engagement on behalf of residents.
By endorsing this Pledge together, we recognise the value of setting out clear expectations for political conduct.
We do so to demonstrate that we feel the wellbeing of the borough is best served when there is a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity of our democratic processes. We commend the Pledge to all Members as a tool to support a healthier, more constructive political culture for the benefit of everyone in Tower Hamlets.
Steve Halsey, Chief Executive
Everyone has a part to play in making the council a better place to work and serve, including creating an environment that feels safe, respectful and rewarding for those who undertake the demanding role of representing their communities.
I welcome the Members' Pledge and I will ensure that all Council officers understand its purpose and how they can contribute to strengthening political culture in Tower Hamlets. This includes being open and responsive to feedback from Members and taking all reasonable steps to support them in carrying out their responsibilities effectively.