West London's Hammersmith and Fulham Council has unveiled its new Cabinet and Leader following a resounding election victory on May 7. Labour secured 38 of the 50 seats, with the remaining 12 going to the Conservatives. Stephen Cowan, who has led the Labour administration since 2014, will continue as Leader of the council.
Retained Cabinet Members
Several key figures from the pre-election Cabinet will remain in their roles. Cllr Andrew Jones continues as Cabinet Member for the Economy, Cllr Rowan Ree as Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, Cllr Frances Umeh as Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, and Cllr Zarar Qayyum as Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills. Cllr Alex Sanderson retains the Deputy Leader position, now with added responsibility for Health and Social Care alongside Children and Education.
New Appointments and Portfolio Changes
Notable changes include the creation of a new Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel, held by Cllr Nicole Trehy. This role absorbs previous duties of Cllr Wesley Harcourt (Climate Change and Ecology) and Cllr Florian Chevoppe-Verdier (Public Realm). Cllr Bora Kwon moves from Adult Social Care and Health to become Cabinet Member for the Environment, Arts and Culture. Cllr Hannah Bulmer takes on a new role as Cabinet Member for Social Advancement and the Pathway Bond, while Cllr Lisa Homan becomes Cabinet Member for Community Safety. The former position of Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, held by Cllr Rebecca Harvey, has been disbanded with its responsibilities redistributed.
Maiden Speech and Optimism
At the Full Council meeting on May 21, Cllr Bulmer delivered her maiden speech, praising the Labour manifesto and stating: “At a time when cynicism dominates much of politics, what this administration offers is proof that good government, done well, changes lives. It is my immense privilege to offer our residents something too rare in politics today: hope they can believe in.” Leader Stephen Cowan also spoke, calling the election “an election about optimism” and describing the victory as “the most humbling experience I have ever had in my life.” Labour now holds 38 seats, up from 35 after losing two members to the Greens and one to independents since 2022. The Conservatives increased their representation from 10 to 12 councillors.
Full Cabinet List
- Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader
- Cllr Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader (Health, Social Care, Children and Education)
- Cllr Nicole Trehy, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel
- Cllr Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for the Economy
- Cllr Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform
- Cllr Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness
- Cllr Bora Kwon, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Arts and Culture
- Cllr Hannah Bulmer, Cabinet Member for Social Advancement and the Pathway Bond
- Cllr Lisa Homan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety
- Cllr Zarar Qayyum, Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills
