Mehmood Mirza: Leading a New Era of Independent Leadership in Newham

Mehmood Mirza, the Independent Councillor for Boleyn ward, is making waves in Newham politics with a bold, community-first agenda that has resonated with residents across the borough. Elected in a landmark by-election in July 2023, Cllr Mirza now leads the Newham Independents, a growing political force that has become the main opposition group on Newham Council.

Backed by fellow Independent Councillor Sophia Naqvi and former Labour Councillor Zuber Gulamussen, Mirza is at the forefront of a grassroots political movement that prioritises local people over party politics. His leadership marks a shift towards transparency, accountability, and genuine community representation in Newham.

A long-serving former Labour activist, Cllr Mirza has deep roots in the borough. After parting ways with the party in 2022, he stood as an Independent with a powerful message: politics should be about listening to residents, not toeing the party line. His victory in Boleyn was driven by a passionate focus on local issues like fly-tipping, overdevelopment, and street safety, combined with bold, practical proposals on council tax and parking.

Cllr Mirza’s policy platform reflects both progressive values and real-world solutions. He has called for a freeze on council tax to support struggling households, an extension of free school meals to tackle child hunger, and a firm opposition to the sell-off of vital council assets. His vision is rooted in fairness, public service, and local empowerment.

“People in Newham are tired of being ignored,” said Cllr Mirza. “We’re here to stand up for them—not for party machines or distant decision-makers. This borough deserves better, and we’re going to deliver it.”

Under his leadership, the Newham Independents are proving that a new kind of politics is possible—one that’s local, independent, and people-powered.

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