Newham Council is set to review its rules for councillors, alongside other key policy updates, following a council meeting on Monday, 8 December 2025.
The meeting covered a range of topics, but a key focus was on ensuring the council's constitution remains fit for purpose. The council is reviewing its constitution, and the report pack includes several appendices outlining specific changes being considered for councillor rules.
Constitution Review Report
The council is being asked to agree to recommendations in a report regarding a review of the council's constitution. The report pack includes several appendices:
- Terms of Reference for a Shareholder Advisory Board for the council's companies
- Guidance on Appointments to Outside Bodies
- Protocol for Member and Officer conduct
- Protocol on the use of resources
- Protocol on the use of social media for elected members
- Employee Code of Conduct
Following a motion, the recommendations outlined on pages 37 and 38 of the agenda, including formally adopting the sections set out in appendices 1 to 5, were agreed.
Political Proportionality Report
The council was also asked to note the change in the council's political composition because of a councillor moving from the Labour Group to the Newham Independents Group. The council resolved that seats on relevant committees, sub committees and joint committees are allocated according to the Political Proportionality and Review Allocation of Seats on Committees report. This change in political composition affects the balance of power and decision-making within the council, as seats on committees are reallocated to reflect the new political landscape.
Appointment of Independent Members to Audit and Governance Committee
The council approved the appointment of Daniel Carr as Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee for a three-year term, and the appointment of Alexandra Ngini and Joanne Pitt as independent members of the committee for a three-year term.
