The Ceremonial Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Friday 19 May 2023 to appoint the new Mayor and Young Mayor for the upcoming year, and to confer honorary titles. Councillor Donna Lumsden was appointed as the new Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for 2023-24, and Regina Pamba was noted as the newly elected Young Mayor. The council also conferred honorary titles of Free Woman and Freeman of the Borough upon Lolita Nusi and Terry Miller MBE respectively.

Appointment of Mayor

Councillor Donna Lumsden was appointed as the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for the 2023-24 municipal year. The nomination was moved by Councillor M. Chowdhury and seconded by Councillor Saima Ashraf. Many councillors spoke in support of Councillor Lumsden, highlighting her kindness, wisdom, and dedication to caring for young people. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of the Council, expressed his eagerness to work alongside her. Councillor Lumsden, in her acceptance speech, pledged to uphold the integrity of the office and serve the residents with enthusiasm, compassion, and devotion, announcing that her chosen charity for the year would be Heroes of Barking and Dagenham. She also appointed Pastor Bright, MBE, as her religious advisor.

Young Mayor

Regina Pamba was appointed as the new Young Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for 2023-24, following her election by the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum. The council conveyed its appreciation to the outgoing Young Mayor, Zubin Burley, for his service during the 2022-23 year. Regina Pamba, in her address, acknowledged the challenges of the cost of living crisis but expressed her determination to raise awareness and drive change. She also spoke of her ambition to break down barriers for young people entering politics and improve diversity and representation.

Honorary Titles

The council conferred the title of Honorary Free Woman of the Borough upon Lolita Nusi, with the nomination proposed and seconded. Similarly, Terry Miller MBE was nominated and seconded for the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough. The council agreed to both nominations.

Vote of Thanks to Retiring Mayor

A vote of thanks was extended to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Faruk Choudhury, and his retiring young consort, Arnolf Chowdhury, and retiring mayoresses, Nashitha Choudhury and Parping Chowdhury. Councillor Darren Rodwell moved the vote of thanks, acknowledging Councillor Choudhury's able and effective discharge of his duties. The new Mayor, Councillor Donna Lumsden, presented a badge to the retiring Mayor, and flowers and a gift were presented to the retiring consort and mayoresses.

Civic Parade and Service

A reminder was given that the annual civic parade and service would take place on Sunday, 11 June. Councillors were asked to meet at the entrance of Barking Park at 10:15 a.m. for a parade to St. Margaret's Church for the 11 a.m. civic service. Permission was granted for past mayors to wear their badges.