Councillor Henry Williams has been appointed as the new Member Champion of Faith for Havering Council, a decision made during a full council meeting on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
The establishment of this new role was proposed by the Reform UK Havering Group. Councillor Gary Payne, moving the motion, stated, As a practicing Christian, I believe that it is paramount to recognize the importance of faith, especially with our beloved Father Hingley here. And that when I say faith, that encompasses all faiths that we find here in the borough. That is why I'm proposing the creation of a member champion of faith.
The motion was agreed by 32 votes to none, with 13 abstentions. Councillor Williams was the sole nominee for the position and was subsequently confirmed in his new role.
The role of Member Champion of Faith is intended to recognise the importance of faith within the borough and to foster relationships with faith groups. However, Councillor Gillian Ford, speaking on behalf of the Havering Aligned Residents Association, raised a point about existing initiatives. She noted that the borough already has a strong relationship with different faith and non-faith groups, citing the Multi-Faith Forum and the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education. Councillor Ford suggested that the council should maximise on the existing partnerships and committees to develop greater and stronger relationships with all faith groups and all non-faith groups,
implying that the new role might duplicate existing efforts.
The council also noted the presence of Father Hingley from the Church of St. Auburn Protomata during the meeting.
More information on the council meeting can be found in the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.