A few months into my campaign, I’m encouraged that so many people like the sound of my pitch to be a local, committed and independent councillor.

But something I’m often asked is “What can you really do on your own?” 

I’ve been chatting a lot about how the local elections work and how I could make a difference if I was voted in.

WHAT CAN I VOTE ON IN MAY 2026?

• You’ll get one vote for Mayor of Tower Hamlets. In our local “executive mayor” system, this role – currently held by Lutfur Rahman of the Aspire Party – controls all the decision-making power.
• You also have three votes for Bethnal Green West councillors because of the size of the ward. These are currently Musthak Ahmed, Abu Talha Chowdhury and Amin Rahman, all from Lutfur Rahman’s Aspire Party.

WHAT DOES A COUNCILLOR DO?

The job of ward councillors is to listen to the concerns of Bethnal Green West residents and represent them within the council. Whatever their political affiliation, they should:

1. Be helpful when residents share their problems
2. Bring forward improvements across Bethnal Green West
3. Ensure that whoever runs the council is making fair decisions

Our current councillors are failing to impress on all three of these points.

SO… WHAT COULD I REALLY DO AS AN INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR?

• I will be the responsive and useful ward councillor our area deserves. I am an experienced project manager in the local government and built environment sectors. When you share a concern with me, I will be helpful and persistent in making sure these issues are resolved.
• I will use any funds I can access to make local improvements happen. I know that all of Bethnal Green West needs more safe places to walk, sit and meet friends. And I’ll keep knocking on doors to find out what else is important to local people. 
• I will review the mayor’s proposals and decisions, and will challenge any that I think are unfair or a waste of public money. As an independent councillor, I won’t make it my mission to oppose the mayor on everything, but I will make sure they are held to account for their decisions.

I hope you can see how I can make positive change in Bethnal Green West as a local, committed and independent councillor, and that you’ll give me one of your three votes in May 2026.

And if you’d like to get involved, then please drop me an email on ted4bgw@gmail.com. Thanks!