Was It Worth It?

We occasionally open our pages to readers to offer their own thoughts. The following article was submitted and covers some areas that will be familiar to regular readers. It raises a pertinent question.

Introduction

Rokhsana Fiaz succeeded Sir Robin Wales as Mayor of Newham in 2018, promising reform, transparency, and a break from the controversies that had marred her predecessor’s long tenure. However, seven years into her leadership, Newham faces significant challenges - financial instability, governance issues, and internal conflicts - that have led to questions about whether the borough is now worse off than under Wales.

Financial Mismanagement and Government Intervention

Under Fiaz, Newham has experienced severe financial distress. In May 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued a Best Value Notice to the council, citing concerns over governance, value for money, and service delivery. The council faces a £160 million budget gap, largely due to escalating costs for temporary accommodation and social care. To avert bankruptcy, the council implemented an 8.99% council tax increase - nearly double the national average - which has placed additional strain on residents.   

This is in contrast, to the Wales tenure, where Newham maintained one of the lowest council tax rates in London, even freezing it for nine years. His administration focused on economic development, leveraging the 2012 Olympics to drive regeneration and attract investment to the borough.

Governance and Internal Conflicts

Fiaz’s administration has been marked by internal discord and governance issues. A 2023 report by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny highlighted “poor relationships” among councillors and a “real personal animosity” between certain councillors and the mayor, which hindered effective scrutiny and decision-making. 

Additionally, Fiaz brought an employment tribunal claim against her own council, alleging race and sex discrimination. The case was settled with the council contributing £30,000 plus VAT towards her legal costs, a move that drew criticism given the council’s financial challenges.  

While Wales’ administration faced its own controversies, including disputes over redevelopment projects and criticism for a £111 million council office relocation, (which actually saved money for the council), it did not experience the same level of internal conflict and governance breakdowns. 

Housing and Social Services

Housing remains a critical issue in Newham. In 2024, the Regulator of Social Housing gave the council a C4 rating - the lowest possible - for its housing services, citing significant failings. Fiaz acknowledged these shortcomings and committed to implementing improvements, but the rating underscores systemic issues within the council’s housing department.  

Under Wales, the council faced criticism for its handling of social housing, notably from the Focus E15 campaign, which protested against the treatment of young homeless mothers and the proposed redevelopment of the Carpenters Estate. While these issues were significant, they did not result in formal regulatory censure, and Mayor Fiaz has had her own problems with the Focus E15 campaigners.

Conclusion

While Rokhsana Fiaz entered office with a mandate for change and a vision for a fairer Newham, her tenure has been challenged by financial crises, governance issues, and internal conflicts. Comparatively, Sir Robin Wales’ administration, despite its controversies, maintained financial stability and pursued ambitious regeneration projects. The current state of Newham suggests that, in several key areas, the borough’s situation has deteriorated under Fiaz’s leadership.

So, was it worth removing Robin Wales?