William Eichler 30 October 2015

Control of Tower Hamlets to be passed back to the mayor

Greater responsibility for the governance of Tower Hamlets borough council will be passed to the mayor, Greg Clark announced yesterday.

The communities secretary said the government’s commissioners will no longer have the power to directly run the council, although he noted that four will remain to carry out some functions and oversee further improvements.

Last April the then-communities secretary Eric Pickles sent the commissioners in after mayor Lutfur Rahman’s election victory was declared void when he was found guilty of corrupt and illegal practices.

In a letter to Tower Hamlets mayor John Biggs, Greg Clark welcomed the progress made in the council in the last six months but warned that any lapse in governance would result in the government stepping in again.

Mr Clark said: ‘I’m pleased with the progress that has been made in Tower Hamlets over the last six months, which will help restore the community’s confidence in how their area is being run.’

‘It means,’ he continued, ‘I am confident that, from this weekend, John Biggs can now be left to take on the day-to-day running of the borough as the mayor.’

‘But,’ he added, ‘our four commissioners will remain in place, and I will not hesitate to take action if progress stalls and the governance of Tower Hamlets falls short.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner