Cllr Darren Rodwell

Cllr Darren Rodwell has been Leader of Barking and Dagenham since 2014. He has served as Deputy Chair of London Councils, having been Executive Member for City Development and now as the Executive Member for Housing and Planning.

In his current role he has promoted inward investment in the capital via Opportunity London and prioritised the delivery of affordable housing.

Under his leadership, Barking and Dagenham has pioneered sustainable regeneration by delivering opportunities in the new growth sectors. The borough is home to The Wharf Studios, the UCL Pearl research facility and the largest data centre in the UK. Barking and Dagenham will also be home to the Hollywood of London with the Eastbrook Studios and the City of London’s wholesale markets.

Cllr Rodwell is also a member of the Homes for Londoners Board, Arts Council England, the Arts Council for London, and the Create London Board and, since May 2023 Chair of the LGA Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board.

Cllr Rodwell was awarded LGIU Leader of the Year Award in 2019.