New Havering Leader vows to tackle crime, protect green belt and provide new homes for Havering residents.

On 27 May, Havering Council will officially enter a new political era with a new administration and a new council leader at the helm.

Following Reform UK’s resounding victory at last week’s local elections, Gooshays Ward councillor Keith Prince has been chosen to lead Havering’s Reform group and is set to become the borough’s next council leader.

Keith is already a well known figure in local politics, currently serving as the Havering and Redbridge Greater London Assembly Member. Now, after Reform secured control of the council, he is preparing to take on what he describes as his “dream job”.

The Havering Daily sat down with Keith to discuss his priorities for the borough and what residents can expect from the incoming administration.

“We have a lot of big issues we want to focus and start on straight away. Crime and shoplifting are crucial. We also want to put some much needed TLC back into our town centres. We heard people on the doorstep when they told us why they were voting for us and we must listen to their voices. Our town centres are in urgent need of TLC and this is something we will work on from day one,” Keith said.

A key message from the new administration appears to be listening to residents and responding directly to local concerns.

“We know we urgently need homes for people here in Havering. Homes, not high storey tower blocks. It must also be homes for people in our borough and reduce the number of properties going to other boroughs.”

Keith also confirmed that a Reform administration would continue funding the Havering Joint Task Force officers currently supported by the council.

“Without any doubt we will continue to pay for the Havering Joint Task Force officers, they do an excellent job.”

Protecting the borough’s green belt is also high on the agenda for the incoming leadership. Keith confirmed that the Romford Masterplan has now been scrapped.

“We have scrapped it, it’s gone. What we want to do is work closely with businesses and residents in how to shape our borough now going forward.”

Another issue Keith says he wants addressed urgently is the long running Launders Lane situation.

“This fiasco has to stop. We will look at every possible aspect to get the site cleared and take the necessary action.”

The proposed data centre development is also firmly in the sights of the new administration.

“We know the data centre is another important issue here in our borough and we are looking at a way of getting a three month consultation period.”

With Reform now preparing to formally take control, Keith acknowledged there are significant challenges ahead, particularly financially.

“A deep dive into the finances will take place and there is a lot of mess to be cleared up.”

For Keith, the role is also deeply personal. Born, raised and educated in Havering, he says leading the borough has long been an ambition.

“As a Havering resident being leader of this borough has also been my dream job and now it has come true.”

Supporters describe Keith as a politician who prefers being out in the community rather than behind a desk, speaking directly with residents and hearing concerns first hand.

With a new administration about to take charge, many across Havering will now be watching closely to see how Reform delivers on the promises that secured its historic election victory.

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