Havering residents get new council leadership: munisha.co.uk

By munisha.co.uk | 2026

Havering Council has confirmed Councillor Keith Prince AM as the new Leader of the Council, following Reform UK’s victory in the May local elections.

The appointment was made at the council’s annual general meeting, where councillors also approved a new Cabinet, a new Mayor and committee roles that will shape how local services are overseen across the borough.

Prince, who is also London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge, said the new administration would focus on cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, better value for taxpayers and stronger town centres.

New leadership after the local election

The annual meeting formally installed the new administration after voters changed the political control of Havering Council.

Councillor Sue Benjamins has been appointed Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance. The finance brief is expected to be closely watched by residents as councils across London continue to face pressure over service costs, housing demand and local infrastructure.

Prince said the administration wanted to deliver for residents “regardless of how they voted, where they live or what community they come from”.

Cabinet roles covering key services

The confirmed Havering Council Cabinet includes Councillor Sean McMahon for Customer Services, Councillor Graham Day for Adults and Health, Councillor Kevin Gill for Children, and Councillor Martin Lardner for Housing Allocations.

Councillor Terry Brown will oversee Planning and Public Protection, while Councillor Robert Whitton takes responsibility for Regeneration and Property. Councillor Alex Sibley has been appointed Cabinet Member for Highways, and Councillor Martynas Cekavicius will oversee Public Realm.

Those portfolios cover many of the day-to-day issues residents raise with the council, including road conditions, street cleanliness, housing allocations, planning decisions, social care and contact with council services.

Mayor and committee appointments

Councillor Maggie Themistocli, who represents Hylands and Harrow Lodge, has replaced Councillor Sue Ospreay as Mayor of Havering.

Councillor Christine Vickery, ward councillor for Squirrels Heath, has been appointed Deputy Mayor.

Councillors also agreed appointments to committees including Overview and Scrutiny and the Strategic Planning Committee, alongside Member Champion roles. The full list of councillors and the council’s decision-making structure is available through Havering Council’s official channels.

Source: London Borough of Havering

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Source check Source trail

This report is based on Havering Council’s published account of its annual general meeting and confirmed appointments.

Checks

• Matched the named council leader with the stated post-election administration change.
• Checked Cabinet roles against the list provided in the council announcement.
• Separated civic mayoral appointments from executive Cabinet responsibilities.

Havering Council Check wider coverage

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Havering Council

Scope

London Borough of Havering

Updated

2026-05-29 12:30

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Article contextPeople & topics3#7

Keith PrinceMaggie ThemistocliChristine Vickery

#Havering Council#Havering Council Cabinet#Havering Mayor#Keith Prince AM#Local Government#London Borough of Havering#Reform UK Havering

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