Cllr Shafi Ahmed

I am disappointed, although not surprised, by the recent leak of supposed government 'meeting notes' of allegations regarding the council that have never been put to us. I want to be clear that no complaint or evidence relating to any of these issues has ever been presented. It is no coincidence that these stories are beginning to emerge as we near the election, and it is sadly a reflection of our political class that they have to resort to these tactics that are in fact highly offensive to our borough, rather than engaging in a proper election campaign based on policy. We have seen these attacks before, and we have seen them off before. We will not be dragged into this dirty politics. My administration and I remain committed to doing what we were elected to do - serving the residents of Tower Hamlets and doing all we can to make their lives better. We have done this through the delivery of transformative services, from free school meals to all primary and secondary school children, tackling the housing crisis by building over 4,000 homes, to free homecare for all residents and free swimming sessions for all men aged 35+, all women aged 16+ and all parents and children. Ours is a politics of hope, opportunity and service to the residents of Tower Hamlets, and we remain confident this will be recognised come May 7th.

As we mark #InternationalWomensDay and Women's History Month with events across Tower Hamlets, we recommit ourselves to tackling the scourge of gender inequality and standing in solidarity with women facing oppression around the world. I am proud of the range of services we've opened in Tower Hamlets dedicated to supporting women and girls, developed in partnership with residents. This includes our recent opening of the Nari Centre, which brings services for women together under one roof, with classrooms, IT suite, creche facilities, a community kitchen and spaces for one-to-one support. This is a wonderful, welcoming space for accessing support and advice, as well as building skills, taking part in activities, and connecting with others.

Delighted be part of the change and difference we are making for our elderly in Tower Hamlets

🚨ANNOUNCEMENT: we've now opened 20 youth centres since my re-election in 2022. The latest is a dedicated youth centre for girls and young women on St Paul's Way, following feedback from our youngsters. I'm so proud that we've reached this milestone, particularly at a time when many youth centres have been closed across the country, to help all our young residents to thrive.

ITV News highlighting our #DisposeSafe campaign tackling lithium battery fires. This national problem requires national Government support, but in Tower Hamlets we’re taking action now. Don’t bin it - recycle phones, toys, vapes and any product with a lithium battery at council refuse centres and supermarkets. Together, we can #DisposeSafe and stop dangerous fires.

Exciting news! As we celebrate Green Week, we're taking a major step towards a more sustainable future. We're introducing our new fleet of 100% electric enforcement vehicles. This isn't just a change in our operations, it's a statement that we're committed keep TH Green

The only borough in England to support our children education helping families make a difference. "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

A lovely afternoon tea we hosted in the Town Hall with elders who have given so much to our community. As Carol from the East London Pensioners Group said, loneliness kills, and she described social events like this as essential for tackling the epidemic of isolation so many older people face.

My statement with the Chairs of the Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum about the appalling arson attack on the mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, which is being investigated as a hate crime.   We stand in solidarity with the local community and extend our support to everyone feeling the emotional impact of this attack and all recent violence affecting our communities.   Here in Tower Hamlets, we are proud to be one of the most diverse boroughs in the country. Our community cohesion is one of our greatest strengths.   We are working closely with our partners, including the borough’s Tension Monitoring Group, community faith leaders, and our No Place for Hate Forum, to ensure the Muslim community in East London feels supported during this time

1/1 Since taking office in May 2022,under the leadership of Mayor @LutfurRahmanTH @TowerHamletsNow has invested over £20million every year to support children and young people. One of the UK’s most ambitious education support packages delivered with pride, purpose and permanence.

The far right is spreading misinformation about asylum seekers at the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf. Let’s get the facts straight: • The Government made the decision to use this hotel -the Council had no say in this decision by central Government. • The Council is told this is not a transfer from Epping, as the far right is claiming. • Far right groups are trying to bring people into our borough to intimidate and spread hate and prejudice. We’re working with partners to ensure proper support and safeguarding measures in place for asylum seekers, hotel workers, and residents and we’re urging the Government to provide necessary support. The East End has a proud history of standing up to fascism. The far right has never succeeded in dividing our community, and they never will.

Putting children first. Over 58,000 young lives supported since 2022. Thanks to our @TowerHamletsNow @young_TH_ incredible team and partners. The work continues. #LBTH #EarlyHelp #CommunityImpact #OfstedOutstanding @LutfurRahmanTH

Welcoming Her Majesty the Queen to the Big Lunch at Eden Dock today - a wonderful celebration of many of the local groups who do vital work in our community. Thank you to @edencommunities and Canary Wharf Group for transforming Eden Dock into a vibrant, biodiverse public space, bringing nature and wildlife to the heart of the city for residents and workers to enjoy and for community groups to use for fantastic events like this

🏸 Proud to launch the new @TowerHamletsNow BeWellTH badminton memberships today. making sport more affordable, fair & accessible for all in Tower Hamlets. Huge thanks to lead member Cllr Kamrul Hussain, our brilliant officers, centre staff & partners who made this possible.

The battery in your e-bike or e-scooter could be putting you and others at risk. The London Fire Brigade says e-bikes and e-scooters are London’s fastest growing fire risk. #ChargeSafe Tower Hamlets - E-bike battery safety animation youtu.be/lYjJaPTvhTg?si… via @YouTube

Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Emergency, visited @RichMixLondon to check out their new sustainability initiatives focused on reducing food waste and turning unused food into soil for growing plants on-site. 🌱 Read more ➡️ orlo.uk/YWjXH

The Government should scrap their cruel cuts affecting disabled people and the most vulnerable in our society. These cuts are a political choice. In Tower Hamlets, we’re showing there is an alternative. We’re using our resources to invest in services and support our residents with the ever rising cost of living. If we can put people first in Tower Hamlets, there's no reason this can't be done across the rest of the country.

Our new council budget continues to protect our residents from ongoing cost-of-living pressures, invests in new and improved frontline services, and provides new funding for school uniform grants, free homecare, meals on wheels and more. Read more at: orlo.uk/qyzDC