Reform UK has taken control of Havering Council, with Councillor Keith Prince elected as the new Leader of the Council and Councillor Maggie Themistocli appointed as the new Mayor. The appointments were confirmed at the council's annual meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Councillor Themistocli, representing the Reform UK Havering Group, secured 41 votes to become the Mayor of Havering for the 2026-27 municipal year, defeating Councillor Barry Mugglestone, who received 11 votes. Councillor Themistocli is the first Mayor of Havering of Greek Cypriot origin and the first Reform Mayor in London.

Councillor Keith Prince was elected as the Leader of the Council for a term ending at the annual council following the 2030 elections. He received 43 votes, with one vote against and 11 abstentions. Councillor Prince pledged to lead Havering with honesty, transparency and decency and announced his new cabinet members.

Councillor Prince outlined his vision for the borough, aiming to make Havering cleaner, safer, greener, leaner. To achieve these goals, the administration will publish a 100-day plan and longer-term ambitions. He also stated that the administration would not pursue leaving the Greater London Authority, citing a lack of a well-researched proposal demonstrating benefits to residents.

Councillor Prince announced his cabinet members as follows:

  • Sue Benjamin (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance)
  • Graham Day (Adults and Health Care)
  • Kevin Guild (Children)
  • Sean McMahon (Customer Services)
  • Alex Sibley (Highways)
  • Martin Lardner (Housing Allocation)
  • Terry Brown (Planning and Public Protection)
  • Robert Whitten (Regeneration)
  • Martinez Shekevisius (Public Realm)

During the meeting, various committees and sub-committees were appointed, and Member Champion roles were filled. Four new Member Champion positions were created: Anti-knife crime, Disabilities, Veterans, and Wildlife. The full agenda and reports from the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack.

The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Sue Ospreay, reflected on her year in office, highlighting the success of various events and the £88,000 raised for her chosen charity, the MCA Trust.