Interactive webcast player

Council
Friday, 4th September 2026 at 3:30pm

 

Welcome to our Webcast Player.

The webcast should start automatically for you. 

Webcast cameras are not operated by camerapersons; they are automated and linked to speaker microphone units. The aim is to provide viewers with a reasonable visual and audio record of proceedings of meetings held in public.

Note: If your webcast link appears not to be working, please return to the Webcast Home Page and try again, or use the help email address to contact us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  2. Mr Matthew Mannion
  3. Cllr Maium Talukdar
  4. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  5. Mr Matthew Mannion
  6. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
Share this agenda point
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury
  2. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  3. Cllr Maium Talukdar
  4. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  5. Cllr Maisha Begum
  6. Mr Matthew Mannion
  7. Cllr Maisha Begum
  8. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  9. Mayor Lutfur Rahman
  10. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  11. Mr Stephen Halsey
  12. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  13. Cllr Maisha Begum
  14. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  15. Mr Stephen Halsey
  16. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  17. Mr Matthew Mannion
  18. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
Share this agenda point
  1. Cllr Maium Talukdar
  2. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  3. Cllr Kabir Ahmed
  4. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  5. Cllr Rupert George
  6. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  7. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  8. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  9. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  10. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  11. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  12. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  13. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  14. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  15. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  16. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  17. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  18. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  19. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  20. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  21. Cllr Kabir Ahmed
  22. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  23. Cllr Jonathan Purcell
  24. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  25. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  26. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  27. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  28. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  29. Cllr Jonathan Purcell
  30. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  31. Cllr Jonathan Purcell
  32. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  33. Cllr Jonathan Purcell
  34. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  35. Cllr Maium Talukdar
  36. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  37. Cllr Maium Talukdar
  38. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  39. Mr Matthew Mannion
  40. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  41. Webcast Finished

Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:00:00
I am the Speaker of the Council.
I will be chairing today's extraordinary meeting.
I extend a warm welcome to the Executive Mayor, fellow Councillors, the Chief Executive, Corporate
Directors and Officers, members of the media and those joining us online.
As today's meeting is a short and focused one, I will keep my opening remarks brief.
The meeting is being webcast live via the Council's website and those present in the
chamber may appear in the webcast.
Should the fire alarm sound, please follow the directions of all the singers back and
The people who are here should make themselves not a member of the facilities team.
I am thinking to speak to pay my hand and wait to be called to the chair.
I would ask members to address their remarks to the chair, keep contributions relevant and allow colleagues to be heard without interruption.
Strong debate is welcome but personal discourtesy is not.
I ask that members and officers are treated with courtesy and respect throughout.
If I stand during proceedings, I ask everyone to resume their seats and allow the chair
to be heard.
I will conduct today's business fairly and in accordance with the Council's constitution.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Members should also note that supplementary information has been published in relation
to today's agenda in an updated Agenda Pack. Also, on an administrative point, a number
of members will have on their seats surgery agreement forms. Please complete those and
return them to the Democratic Services team. We shall now proceed to the formal business
of the meeting. I have received apologies for absence from
Councillor Robina Khan, Councillor Tilly Daisy Suniart.
Can the Corporate Head of Democratic Services please confirm if there have been any other
apologies for absences, for lateness, or Councillors joining us online?
Thank you Mr Speaker.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:02:28
I've had apologies from Councillor Shubho Hussain, I think, and possibly from Mads Churchhouse,
but I wasn't 100 % sure.
Is that right?
Apologies?
Yeah, okay.
Any other apologies?
Deputy Mayor?
Thank you, chair.
Councillor Forslund, he has joined online.
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 0:02:44
And Councillor, I'm going to come in as well.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:02:53
Thank you.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:02:55
There isn't an online version of this meeting, so we'll just mark his apologies.
Thank you, Mr Mani.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:03:01
Any member who has a disclosable pecuniary interest to declare in any item on the agenda
please indicate.
I don't see any interest being declared.

2 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND OTHER INTERESTS

Moving forward, agenda item three contains two reports on the appointment of statutory
officers.

3 APPOINTMENT OF STATUTORY OFFICER(S)

Please refer to pages 5 to 18 and the agenda for the information.
The reports are in relation to the designation of the Section 151 Chief Finance Officer and
change of designation and appointment to interim monitoring officer.
I have accepted the reasons for urgency for the second of those reports and please also
note the appendix published in relation to the Chief Finance Officer report.
I understand that Councillor Abu Talha Chaudhry will be introducing both reports together.
Can Councillor Abu Talha Chaudhry introduce the report?
You have three minutes, Mr Chaudhry.
Thanks, Mr Speaker.
I'm really pleased to introduce this report regarding the confirmation of the appointment
Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury - 0:04:10
of the Council's Section 151 Officer, and associated with the role of the Corporate
Director of Resources.
The report has been presented by myself today and follows a competitive recruitment process
for this important statutory position.
The Section 151 officer has a critical responsibility for ensuring the proper administration of
the Council's financial affairs and it is a legal requirement for every local authority
to have a suitably qualified officer imposed to discharge these duties.
The Council's constitution also requires full Council to confirm the appointment of this
statutory role. The report explains the current interim arrangements are due to end on 4 September
26 and therefore ask Council to confirm both an interim appointment for a period of up
to six months and the permanent appointment following the conclusion of the recruitment
process and the necessary constitutional procedures. These arrangements will ensure continuity
of financial leadership, maintain compliance with our statutory obligations and support
the Council's ongoing programme of improvement and effective financial management.
The report also notes that permanent recruitment provides greater stability and better value
for money than long -term interim arrangements.
For those reasons, I commend the recommendations to Council and also note the change of designation
for the Monchon Offsap.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:05:34
Thank you, Councillor Cidri, I call on Councillor Mayim Tullibati to second the recommendations.
You have three minutes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to second both reports.
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 0:05:49
But before I second those, I would like to, on behalf of the Council,
I would like to thank our outgoing Section 151 officer, Richard Ernst.
At one time I used to call him Steve, so...
He's a very passionate and committed and dedicated professional.
who the cabinet we all enjoyed working with him and we've learnt a lot from him.
So thank you very much for your contribution, for your service and all the best to you.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:06:20
Thank you.
Do any members wish to speak?
Councillor David Edgar.
Thank you Speaker.
I take it we are taking the votes on both of these together, is that right?
Cllr Maisha Begum - 0:06:39
No?
Okay.
Shall I speak on one and then the other separately?
You can speak on both of them now if you like.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:06:48
I'll speak on both of them.
Cllr Maisha Begum - 0:06:51
So clearly the section 151 officer is a very key role within the council.
It's a very significant role.
So I'm pleased that a good process has been gone through in order to make that appointment.
The budget I imagine is something that will be, if it's not already started, will be a
very big thing.
So I think it's important we get as quickly as possible to the full -time, the permanent
hold of the post.
So I'm interested to learn if somebody can tell me how long it is likely to be that we'll
have an interim person.
I think it makes sense to have a six -month appointment.
It saves come back to the council again, but it would be interesting to know if we do know
how long that interim will be in place.
Moving on to the monitoring officer role, the role that's described in the papers is
really a very broad one.
And in that situation it's important, I think, for us to understand the level below, the
number of posts there are below, and the responsibilities below that senior role.
And if we could have some more information about that, that would be useful.
But I also notice that it's a, in this case, it's an interim proposal for 12 months, which
seems really quite a long time, given the significance of the role there.
And so I would be interested in some information about why it's 12 months, as opposed to six
months why such a long period is needed in the key nature of the role.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:08:09
And as Mr. Mayor, I would like to respond.
Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor.
I can respond to the first point.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman - 0:08:15
I'm sure Steve will come on to talk about the structure, so not now, here, but in another
forum or elsewhere.
We are, it's in the papers, we are extremely pleased that we have appointed a permanent
Section 151 corporate direct resources.
I understand the person will be in place from the 1st of November.
I'm grateful to current the interim who has kindly turned up today.
We do need cover in the meantime.
So from 1st of November, and until then our colleague over there will help us,
but from the 1st of November we'll have our permanent cover.
And can I also thank Richard for his endeavours and the support he has given us to date.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:09:04
Mr Stephen Halsey - 0:09:06
So in answer to the other issues that were raised, the reference to up to 12 months is
really a belt and braces approach if we are unable to appoint to the Chief Compliance
Officer the first time round.
So that has happened in the past.
I only, as Chief Executive, as delegated authority to appoint an interim up to six months.
So that's why it says 12 months, just in case.
We will, following due process, be going out to advert for the compliance officer post,
the most senior compliance officer post, at the earliest opportunity, and I expect that
to be in the next couple of weeks.
That is a member appointment, so it's a deputy chief officer role.
I will be putting online and publishing the council structure in any event, which gives
all of the detail of the posts from Chief Executive, Corporate Director, Director and
Heads of Service to explain absolutely and give it a little bit more meat on the bones
as to the explanation that's in the report, particularly in relation to the designation
of the Monitoring Officer and the additional duties that the Chief Compliance Officer will
be responsible for.
I would say, though, that just in summary, as the report refers, we have an agenda to
ensure that we have more corporate grip on the compliance agenda and that we group those
functions in one place as opposed to the more disparate approach that's been adopted up
until now.
And I should take this opportunity to thank the envoys for their advice and support in
that respect because that has informed the recommended way forward that I'm reporting
today.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:10:50
Thank you, Chief Executive.
So, thank you, through you, Mr Speaker, to the Mayor and the Chief Executive for that
Cllr Maisha Begum - 0:11:02
additional information.
There's one further question I'd like to ask, which is that the appendices gives a very
a brief account of the two posts, the interim post and the permanent post of Section 151.
It may be that it's somewhere else, but it would be good for us, I think, to know a little
bit more about the experience of the people who we are being asked to confirm.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:11:27
Mr Stephen Halsey - 0:11:30
So, as far as the permanent appointments are concerned, the Council goes through, as is
detailed in its constitution a process to appoint corporate directors and deputy chief
officers.
That has been complied with.
The appointment subcommittees, which has a representation from across political groups,
has had all of that information and has made an informed decision as a result of that recruitment
process.
I have asked, though, however, for those appointees to meet with group leaders and groups at the
earliest possible opportunity.
But the process of appointment is one that is tried, tested, and we go through on a regular
basis.
There is a summary in the report of the experience that each candidate brings, and I don't intend
to go through that in detail now, but I'm more than happy to meet with individual members
and discuss that with them if they think that that would be helpful.
The interim arrangement as set out, if agreed today, I will circulate the detail of the
interim appointment because that's not subject to the same arrangements.
So there is a summary of that individual's experience to date and I intend circulating
that at the beginning of next week.
I have to say Tina Stankley, who is the interim, is the individual the Mayor referred to.
This is sort of sitting, you can wave a little bit in here.
But as the Mayor has already indicated, we are hoping that the permanent appointee to
the Section 151 post will be here at the beginning of November, although I have asked Tina to
to stay here for a little bit longer should that be necessary so that we have effective
transition.
I should also say that the Council, as we all know, is an exciting and vibrant place
to work with lots and lots of opportunities, particularly in development areas.
And the arrival in the borough, planned arrival of JP Morgan, has led me to ask Richard Ennis
to continue to advise the local authorities so we have some continuity in space of the
major projects that we are currently progressing and we are not waiting or slowing down awaiting
the arrival of the new appointee to the 151 Officer Post.
Thank you, Chief Executive, once again.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:13:44
With the benefit of this discussion, I will now move on to vote.
We will vote on the recommendations in each report separately.
starting with recommendations in the report at item 3A.
Does full council agree to the recommendations in the report too?
Note the report and the candidate details set out in Appendix 1.
Confirm the appointment of Tina Stunkley as the most suitably qualified candidate
as set out in Appendix 1 to the report into the statutory position of Chief Financial Officer under Section 151,
associated with the post of corporate director resources for an interim period
no longer than six months starting 4th of September 2026 in accordance with the
requirements set out in Constitution 2 allow for the onboarding of the permanent
corporate director of resources under section 151. Number 3 confirm the
permanent appointment of Jan Williams into the statutory position of chief
financial officer under Section 151 associated with the post of corporate direct resources
following conclusion of the competitive recruitment process.
Thank you members.
So I think that is the first.
Is there any abstention against?
Just to be sure.
Which I do not believe.
In that case, I do not see any objections.
Sorry.
Sorry, Mr Speaker.
I think there may be confusion.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:15:33
The intention was the first of those was the vote to see if
anyone was in favour.
We could do it together.
Mr Speaker, can you run that again as there was a bit of confusion?
Just start with those in favour.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:15:43
It's the first one under 3A, so those in favour?
I don't see any objections and so we'll take this as agreed unanimously.
We now move to the recommendations in the report at item 3B.
Does full Council agree to the recommendations in the report to confirm the proposal to designate the new role of Chief Compliance Officer as the Council's Touch to Remonitering Officer,
officer with this change taking effect on completion of the recruitment and on boarding
of a suitably qualified candidate with any appointment being undertaken in line with
the requirements set out in the constitution.
Number two, confirm that the existing interim director of governance role should be designated
as the council's statutory monitoring officer on an interim basis for a period of up to
12 months to allow for a full and competitive recruitment process to the role of Chief Compliance
Officer to take place.
Agree that Mark Norman, who currently occupies the position of interim director of governance,
should be appointed as the council's statutory monitoring officer for a period of up to 12
months commencing 4 September 2026.
Any questions?
In favour?
Again, I do not see any objections or abstentions, and so we'll take this as agreed unanimously.
Please can we now pause to allow the new monitoring officer to join us?
on committee sizes and proportionality.
Can Councillor, for ease of your reference,
the report can be found on pages 19 to 24 and the agenda.
Can Councillor Mayantal -Idrar introduce the report?
You have three minutes, Councillor.

4 COMMITTEE SIZES AND PROPORTIONALITY

Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 0:18:34
Further to last, from Council's proposal,
and following the Constitutional Working Group's review
of the committee sizes, the proposal seeks to make two committees smaller and more focused.
While updating political proportionality accordingly, the aim is to ensure our committee arrangements
remain effective and fit for purpose.
And the details are in the report. I would like to propose this report. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:19:04
Thank you, Councillor Mankiewicz. Can I call on Councillor Kabirahmat to second the recommendations?
So you have three minutes.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 0:19:13
I formally second this motion.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:19:18
Thank you. Do any members wish to speak?
Councillor George.
Cllr Rupert George - 0:19:31
I'd just like to raise the issue that these committee calculations are still based on numbers that include a member who is a member
and is neither a member of a group at the same time.
And I'm still awaiting some clarity on that,
as are other members of this Chamber.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:19:53
Thank you. Is there anybody else to speak?
Councillor Abdullah.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
And before I start, can I welcome Mark on his new role?
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:20:00
I'm sure he'll do a great job.
But I want to pick up where I think the last agenda item,
The chief exec mentioned that in consultation with the invoice
Can I just for clarity ask if this was in discussion with the invoice because the best value review which I'm sure this council
wants to sort of
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:20:19
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:20:20
What what's hanging over the council around the issues of good governance and transparency?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:20:24
Councillor Abdullah we are dealing with agenda item four
If you allow me Mr Speaker, if you listen, you will know what I'm coming to
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:20:35
If you allow me to speak Mr Speaker, you'll know what I'm coming to. Okay, let's not get carried away
What I'm talking about is the issue around the transparency and accountability.
If you look at the composition, we've got two members who are ungrouped.
We can't tolerate this kind of behaviour from him.
He's telling you not to get carried away.
What sort of behaviour is this?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:20:52
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:20:53
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:20:55
You're a Speaker of the Council and he's telling you not to get carried away.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:21:02
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:21:03
Mr Speaker, I don't think I need to be ashamed, nor should I be told by an opposite Councillor.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:21:07
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:21:08
Councillor, can you just continue on your point?
I will do so, Mr Speaker.
Being respectful to every member of this chamber.
Absolutely, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:21:17
And you might want to tell the other person to not disturb me
while I'm talking.
But my point is this.
Best value review talked about good governance
of this council.
This council, under this administration,
has a lot of cloud hanging over itself.
What we see in this report is that a very well -spoken,
meaningful, ungrouped councillor,
somebody maybe the administration has issues with,
has been carved out from this position.
Now I find it quite displeasing that in good governance,
where I believe myself and the Green, I speak,
I'm sure they can speak for themselves,
that we would very much welcome an ungrouped councillor
staying on this role because it serves good governance,
it shows accountability, it shows openness and transparency.
What is there to hide?
What is the mere threat of Councillor Rabinokar?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:22:02
I'm going to move on to this item.
Yeah, Councillor Mantle.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 0:22:18
The reasons are mentioned in the report, but we also had discussions at full council and
also all members, they were invited at the constitution working group.
The Libder members and Labour members had no chance to turn up.
If they were not to turn up, they could have had a discussion.
Governmentuna,
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:22:51
Does the full Council agree to the recommendations in the report to agree to the changes to the
we have a
veryBal
advocates
So it's great.
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 0:24:02
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:24:06
So with that there is no further items in the agenda.
Mr Speaker, could I ask why my inquiry has not taken place?
I now close the meeting. Please note that the members must wait for the mace to be removed before they leave.
My point of order is, Speaker, with respect, you've asked for a vote in favour, you didn't ask for a vote against.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:24:34
I know you might be in a hurry to close the meeting, but you can do your procedure. I'm sure Matthew, the monitoring officer, could remind you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:24:44
I will go to the podium.
For clarity, I might go through the process again.
I actually did witness the great colleague had his hands up for a lot.
I think you should allow him to speak.
Councillor, you cannot stand up without my permission.
Without your permission, I will speak as a chair.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 0:25:12
I will speak as a chair.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:25:15
Thank you.
Mr Speaker, your points for that.
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 0:25:28
I know there is a Councillor still wishing to speak and I would like to listen to Councillor
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:25:34
Jonathan and then go for voting process for the sake of clarity and please be mindful
the way we should behave in chambers.
Thank you.
Over to you, Councillor.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
So to clarify, are we back to before the vote and I see from the previous item?
Mr Jonathan, would you stand up please?
Thank you.
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 0:25:59
Okay.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
So I'll be speaking on point four as a vote.
Thank you very much.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:26:07
And I just wanted to ask again,
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 0:26:11
Councillor George raised a question about clarity
and I appreciate that the administration responded
to the other opposition leader,
but not to Councillor George's specific question.
And so, and I will note the constitution
working with our Supreme Representative here
was productive, but our specific question
is on the quality of the functionality and that which I have to do which is quite often.
So I would just like to give the opportunity again to the administration to provide the clarity to the other opposition leader as stated to the later group. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:26:58
Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor.
I will refer you to the report.
The proportionality based on the numbers.
It is clearly mentioned in the report.
If the report says it is out,
I will make this clear.
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 0:27:18
Thank you very much.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:27:19
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 0:27:21
Thank you, Speaker.
Thank you.
Mr Matthew Mannion
Head of Democratic Services
Tower Hamlets
View profile Mr Matthew Mannion