Romford still signs its postcode “Essex” — but Havering is under the Mayor of London’s rule.
Now MP Andrew Rosindell says it’s time to reclaim our true identity and return to the historic County of Essex.
As debates resurface in Parliament, Havering locals ask: Do we really belong in London — or is it time to return to our Essex roots?
It’s a question that continues to stir passionate debate across Havering: Are we truly a London borough, or simply Essex in disguise? Despite being classed as one of the 32 official London boroughs since 1965, many residents still sign their address “Romford, Essex” — and proudly so. And with MP Andrew Rosindell reigniting the campaign to restore Havering to its rightful place in the historic County of Essex, the discussion is more relevant than ever.
“We’ve always been Essex. This ‘London Borough’ label doesn’t reflect who we are,” said one resident, echoing the views of many across Romford, Hornchurch and Upminster. So what has being part of London actually brought to Havering? On paper, borough status provides access to integrated transport through TfL, inclusion in Greater London Authority planning, and eligibility for London-level funding in areas like public health and infrastructure. However, many locals argue that the drawbacks now outweigh the benefits. Havering faces a high cost of living, with residents paying London prices for council tax, housing, and services. At the same time, many feel sidelined by City Hall, treated as an afterthought in decision-making that’s often centralised in zones closer to Westminster. Most significantly, residents say the borough’s identity has been diluted, with a strong cultural and historical link to Essex being lost.
“We’re stuck paying London prices but treated like the edge of the map,” commented a lifelong Harold Hill resident. On 6 May, Romford MP Andrew Rosindell once again brought the issue to Parliament with a passionate speech calling for Havering’s historic identity to be restored and for the borough to officially rejoin the County of Essex. “Havering has always been proudly Essex. Our history, our culture, and our traditions are deeply rooted in that county — and it’s time that reality was officially recognised once again,” he said. Rosindell has long argued that most Havering residents still feel a strong connection to Essex, and now he’s urging Parliament to give that connection the official status it deserves.
As VE Day celebrations approach and community pride is on full display, many believe now is the time to reignite the discussion. Should Havering remain as one of London’s outer boroughs, or could a return to Essex offer a renewed sense of identity, stronger local decision-making, and a better deal for residents?
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