Rokhsana Fiaz will continue in office until the end of her term in May 2026, with the election due to take place on May 7.
In a statement, Mayor Fiaz said her achievements in office since 2018 included creating “homes people can afford, more jobs and opportunities, investment for our children”.
In 2024 there were calls for Fiaz to resign after Newham was given the worst possible rating by a housing regulator.
The Labour-run council was given a ‘C4’ grading by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) after it found “very serious failings” and discovered thousands of yet-to-be-done repairs on Newham Council properties and fire safety works that were overdue by more than 12 months.
Cllr Shaban Mohammed stepped down from his position as cabinet member for housing services and modernisation following the report.
READ MORE: Newham mayor Rokhsana Fiaz urged to quit over housing report
Green councillor Areeq Chowdhury said the report “in effect labels Newham Council as a dangerous, slum landlord”, with Fiaz apologising and saying “residents deserve better”.
In a statement outlining her decision to step down, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said she looked back on successes.
Fiaz said: “I stood for election as Labour’s Mayor in 2018 because I care passionately about Newham and its people, in the place I’ve grown up and dearly love, underpinned by an unswerving commitment to change lives for the better.
“Above all, it has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to serve the people of our wonderful borough as Labour’s Mayor of Newham, and I will continue to champion and advocate for our residents day in, day out.
“My Labour values lead me to serve with integrity and honour, striving to always do my best in the interests of Newham and its people.
“I have loved the opportunity to make our borough fairer, more tolerant, greener and healthier, more democratic and more prosperous for all. I’ve have always done so with passion and an unshakeable spirit of progress for the people we serve, in collaboration with them and committed colleagues at the Council.
“I wish the next Labour candidate for the Mayor of Newham every success next May, and in continuing Newham’s incredible journey for the benefit of our people and communities.
“Service to people and the opportunity to transform lives is the highest honour we can have as members of the Labour Party, and I am proud that together with local members and Labour Councillors we have changed so much in our borough for the better because of our Labour values.
“More homes people can afford, more jobs and opportunities, investment for our children and young people and an enduring commitment in helping people lead financially secure lives.
“I know that further improvements are needed at the Council to deliver best value and the fairer Labour ambitions we all have for our people.
“That is why my focus is, and will continue to be, delivering on my mission of a better Newham for all.”
