In December 2016 the process of preparing for the 2018 election of Newham's Mayor and Council began. Members of the party that controls the Labour Council were asked to vote whether to automatically re-select current Mayor or allow new, younger candidates.

It was fiercely contested and the majority of resident members voted for a change. In the end the current Mayor managed to keep power due to affiliated organisations.

Since then several Councillors and community activists have been suspended from the Council and their political party.

We call for a fair and open election to choose Newham's Mayor and for Newham's political parties to welcome and support young talent rather than suppressing change.