New Leader and Cabinet confirmed for Luton Council

She was elected by the Luton Labour Group after Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE announced in March that she would step down following nearly 20 years as Leader.

First appointed in 2019, Councillor Saleem has represented both the Round Green and Biscot wards. She served as Mayor of Luton from 2024 to 2025 and was Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education from 2021 to 2024 with responsibility for Children's Services, Education and Health and Wellbeing.

Councillor Umme Ali, who has represented High Town ward since 2021 and has served as the Portfolio Holder for Children's Services since 2024, has been appointed Deputy Leader, succeeding Councillor Javed Hussain. 

The new Leader also confirmed the new Cabinet and their portfolio responsibilities:

• Cllr Umme Ali – Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services
• Cllr James Taylor – Portfolio Holder for Education, Employment and Skills 
• Cllr Yaqub Hanif – Portfolio Holder for Finance
• Cllr Alia Khan – Portfolio Holder for Housing
• Cllr Rumi Chowdhury – Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health
• Cllr Basit Mahmood – Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth
• Cllr Javeria Hussain – Portfolio Holder for Public Realm and Sustainable Transport
• Cllr Maria Lovell – Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Women and Equality

Councillor Tahmina Saleem said: "It is a great honour to become Leader of Luton Council. I'm proud to call Luton my home – a town that shows how people of all backgrounds can live and thrive together.

"Our immediate focus will be on what matters most to residents day to day. We will improve the look and feel of our town by tackling litter and fly-tipping, crack down on anti-social behaviour, address illegal and unsafe parking, and invest millions to upgrade all 60 of our council play parks.

"Looking ahead, my priority as Leader will be to secure the good quality jobs and homes, and the cleaner, safer streets that our communities deserve. We know we have huge challenges ahead – but we have such youthful potential in this town, and I believe we can meet those challenges and go far beyond.

"I want to thank Councillor Simmons for her dedication and leadership over nearly two decades. She leaves a remarkable legacy, having laid the foundations for long-term prosperity that will benefit generations to come."

Watch our 'Meet the Leader' video to find out more about Councillor Saleem.