Tower Hamlets names new civic Speaker after AGM

Tower Hamlets Council has confirmed Councillor Musthak Ahmed as the borough’s new Speaker, following its Annual General Meeting at Whitechapel Town Hall on Wednesday 20 May.

Councillor Iqbal Hossain, who represents Lansbury ward, was confirmed as Deputy Speaker. The appointments follow the local elections held on Thursday 7 May 2026, with cabinet portfolios and key committee chairs also agreed at the AGM.

Musthak Ahmed takes the borough’s civic chair

Councillor Musthak Ahmed represents Bethnal Green West ward and will serve as Tower Hamlets’ First Citizen during civic and ceremonial events.

The Speaker’s role includes chairing full Council meetings, receiving important visitors to the borough and acting as an ambassador for local achievements across Tower Hamlets.

After his election, Cllr Ahmed described the role as “a moment of deep honour, humility and profound responsibility”, and said his earlier work in restaurants, business and later education had shaped his view of public service.

Deputy Speaker and cabinet roles confirmed

Cllr Iqbal Hossain, councillor for Lansbury, will serve as Deputy Speaker.

The AGM also confirmed the new administration’s cabinet lead members, including Cllr Maium Talukdar as Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequality and the Cost of Living, Improving Customer Services, and Voluntary Sector Engagement.

Other confirmed cabinet members include Cllr Faysal Ahmed for Children, Young People and Life Chances; Cllr Saied Ahmed for Homebuilding and Enhancing Council Homes and Neighbourhoods; Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury for Finance, Assets and Governance; and Cllr Sabina Akthar for Healthy, Caring and Inclusive Communities.

The appointments sit alongside the borough’s wider post-election changes, following the Tower Hamlets mayoral election.

Committee chairs set for the new council term

Several committee chairs were also confirmed. Cllr Halima Islam will chair Overview and Scrutiny, Cllr Abdul Wahid will chair Development Committee, and Cllr Amin Rahman will chair Strategic Development Committee.

Cllr Peter Golds was confirmed for the Licensing Committee and Licensing Regulatory Committee, while Cllr Harun Miah will chair Human Resources Committee.

The Speaker said he will formally announce his official charities at the next Council meeting.

Source: Tower Hamlets Council