I first came to Newham in 1978 after leaving my hometown of Kilmarnock, Scotland. What I saw was a flourishing, vibrant and diverse community. Its ethnic diversity was not a cause of social tension but a cause of warmth and strength. It was this strength of community that made me want to get involved in local politics and to make the local area a better place to live. I believe the role of government, no matter how big or small, is to change people’s lives for the better and I use this to inform every decision I make.
I was elected as a councillor in 1982 serving until 1986. I was then re-elected in 1992, becoming the Leader of Newham council in 1995. After the Labour government gave local communities the opportunity to directly elect mayors in 2000, the people of Newham jumped at chance of having a directly-elected, directly accountable and directly responsible mayor. I was elected to this post in 2002 and was subsequently re-elected in 2006.
In 2000 I was delighted to be recognised in the Birthday Honours List, receiving a Knighthood for my services to local government. I also led the Association of London Government between 2000 and 2006 which brings together the 32 councils of London and represents the people of London both nationally and internationally. It was a body that was responsible for giving the Freedom Pass to over a million pensioners and disabled people, giving free access on London’s transport.
I was appointed in 2006 by the government to the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games to help ensure East London sees the regeneration from the Olympic Games it needs. I will strive to make sure the Games’ legacy is what Newham deserves.