Newham Election 2026: Labour Wins Mayor Race
Newham voters went to the polls on May 7, 2026, to elect both a new mayor and all 66 council seats. The Labour Party retained control of the council, winning the mayoral race and securing a majority of seats.
Mayoral Election Results
Labour candidate Forhad Hussain won the mayoral election with 25,538 votes (30.4% of the vote). He defeated Newham Independents Party candidate Mehmood Mirza, who came second with 20,234 votes. Green Party candidate Areeq Chowdhury placed third with 18,999 votes, followed by Reform UK's Clive Furness with 7,313 votes.
Council Election Results
Before the election, Labour held 56 seats, the Newham Independents held four, the Green Party had three, and there were three other Independent councillors. Polling predictions from YouGov and PollCheck suggested the Green Party would pose the strongest challenge, with independents also expected to gain significant support. All 66 seats were up for election across 24 wards, each represented by two or three councillors. The wards included Beckton, Boleyn, Canning Town North, Canning Town South, Custom House, East Ham, East Ham South, Forest Gate North, Forest Gate South, Green Street East, Green Street West, Little Ilford, Manor Park, Maryland, Plaistow North, Plaistow South, Plaistow West and Canning Town East, Plashet, Royal Albert, Royal Victoria, Stratford, Stratford Olympic Park, Wall End, and West Ham.
Labour maintained its dominance, winning a majority of seats, while the Green Party and independents made gains in several wards. The final council composition saw Labour with 52 seats, the Green Party with eight, Newham Independents with four, and two Independent councillors.
Key Takeaways
- Forhad Hussain (Labour) elected Mayor of Newham with 30.4% of the vote.
- Labour retained control of the council with 52 seats.
- Green Party increased its representation to eight seats.
- Independents and smaller parties secured a combined six seats.
