Councillor Muhammed Butt has been re-elected as the Leader of Brent Council following the local elections held earlier this month. Representing the Tokyngton ward, Butt secured the leadership during the Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 20.
The appointment follows a significant shift in the local political landscape. As Brent residents face coalition rule following the 2026 elections, the council is operating under a state of no overall control. Labour remains the largest single group with 26 councillors, while the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats hold 11 seats each, and the Green Party holds nine. In accordance with local government legislation, all committee appointments have been politically balanced to reflect these election results.
Strategic priorities for the new administration
During the meeting, Councillor Butt outlined the executive’s core objectives for the upcoming term. The administration intends to focus on four primary areas: improving street cleanliness, enhancing neighborhood safety, increasing the supply of affordable housing, and ensuring economic opportunities are distributed more equitably across the borough.
Butt, who was born and raised in Brent, stated that the focus will remain on issues that residents identify as most critical. In addition to his role as Leader, he will personally manage the Adult Social Care portfolio as part of his remit.
Cabinet members and portfolio responsibilities
The council confirmed the appointment of Councillor Gwen Grahl as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources. The remaining Cabinet positions, which are responsible for the strategic direction of the borough, were assigned as follows:
- Tina Amadi: Communities, Culture and Cost-of-Living Support
- Liz Dixon: Community Safety and Public Health
- Robert Johnson: Housing, Homelessness and Renters
- Matt Kelcher: Regeneration and Planning
- Promise Knight: Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm
- Jake Rubin: Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action
Governance and oversight committees
Beyond the Cabinet, the council finalized appointments for key decision-making bodies. These include committees overseeing planning and licensing, as well as Scrutiny Committees designed to provide oversight of executive decisions.
These appointments are intended to facilitate transparent decision-making and ensure the effective management of council business. Residents can review the full meeting agenda or access the official recording through the Brent Council website to see the complete list of committee members and upcoming session schedules.
Source: Brent Council
Source check Official Governance Record
This report is based on the official minutes and announcements from the Brent Council Annual General Meeting held in May 2026.
- Verified Cabinet member portfolios against official council appointments.
- Confirmed political seat distribution following the May 2026 local election results.
- Cross-referenced stated policy priorities with the Leader's official acceptance speech.
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- Brent Council News
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- Brent
- Updated
- 2026-05-21 06:32
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