Directly elected mayor brings employment tribunal claim against own council

The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, is pursuing an employment tribunal claim against her own local authority, the London Borough of Newham.

A preliminary case management hearing took place in private on Thursday (28 November) at the East London Tribunal.

A spokesperson for Newham Council said: “We can confirm that Newham Council has received a claim issued by the directly elected Mayor, Rohksana Fiaz OBE.”

It added: “Like any other citizen Mayor Fiaz is entitled to assert her rights and present a claim if she believes her rights have been infringed.

“She is also entitled not to face any victimisation or retribution for having done so.”

The council said the existence of the claim “will not impact on the usual constitutional functioning of the council, its decision taking or processes”.

It continued: “The Tribunal’s procedure rules do not provide for details of a case to be made public unless or until, it is heard in open court.

“We will therefore be making no further comment in relation to the claim at this time. It is a matter for HM Courts and Tribunals to independently assess and determine the admissibility and merits of any claim.”

Fiaz, who was first elected to the role in 2018 and won again in 2022, has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey