Councillor Abdal Ullah
Email: Abdal.Ullah@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Council: Tower Hamlets
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Abdal Ullah's council service across multiple years reveals a consistent dedication to community well-being and council governance, with a pronounced and urgent focus on resident safety in his most recent activities.
Key Themes and Priorities:
Across his tenure, Councillor Ullah has demonstrated a commitment to several core areas:
- Resident Safety and Security: This has emerged as a paramount concern, particularly in his most recent engagements.
- Council Governance and Operations: He has actively participated in committee work, discussions on leadership, and adherence to council traditions.
- Honoring Contributions and Community Engagement: Councillor Ullah has shown a respect for past service and emphasized the importance of the council's connection to its constituents.
- Financial Oversight: His involvement in the Pensions Committee indicates an interest in the long-term financial health of the council.
Evolution of Focus:
While Councillor Ullah has consistently engaged with council proceedings, his priorities appear to have sharpened and become more urgent in recent years. His 2024 activities, while present, were less detailed in specific actions. In 2025, his focus broadened to include tributes, council investments, and the nuances of council leadership and traditions. However, his 2026 activity marks a significant shift towards immediate and pressing local issues, specifically the rising tide of bike thefts in Wapping. This suggests an evolution from broader council engagement to a more targeted and proactive approach to addressing critical, on-the-ground resident concerns.
Most Significant Contributions (Especially in Recent Years):
Councillor Ullah's most impactful contributions, particularly in the most recent period, include:
- Urgent Action on Bike Thefts (2026): His proactive and detailed raising of concerns about the
co-ordinated and methodical
increase in bike thefts in Wapping, coupled with his active pursuit of collaboration between the council and the Police, represents his most significant recent contribution. This demonstrates a direct and immediate response to a pressing community issue. - Championing Council Traditions and Leadership (2025): His engagement with the election of a new speaker and his emphasis on impartiality and seating traditions, as well as his pointed questioning of the Speaker's absence from ward events, highlight his commitment to effective and visible council leadership.
- Moving the Standards Advisory Committee Report (2024): This indicates his willingness to take on substantive procedural responsibilities within the council.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:
Councillor Ullah exhibits a consistent interest in the proper functioning of the council and the welfare of its residents. His participation in the Pensions Committee across multiple years suggests a sustained concern for financial stability. His emphasis on community engagement, whether through honoring past councillors or questioning the Speaker's presence at local events, underscores a belief in the council's role as a visible and connected entity. The recent escalation of his focus on crime prevention, particularly bike theft, demonstrates a growing and urgent commitment to safeguarding the community.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In January 2026, Councillor Abdal Ullah raised significant concerns about a co-ordinated and methodical
increase in bike thefts in Wapping. He actively sought information on potential collaboration between the council and the Police to tackle this issue and safeguard residents.
Monthly Activity in 2026
During January 2026, Councillor Abdal Ullah expressed significant concerns regarding a rise in bike thefts in Wapping. He highlighted that these thefts seemed to be co-ordinated and methodical
and inquired about potential collaboration between the council and the Police to address the issue and ensure resident safety.
Meetings in January 2026
Council - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 7.00 p.m. - 21 January 2026
Councillor Abdal Ullah raised concerns about a recent increase in bike thefts in Wapping, noting that the thefts appeared to be co-ordinated and methodical.
He questioned whether the council could collaborate with the Police to apprehend the thieves and assure residents that their property would be safe.
Throughout 2025, Councillor Abdal Ullah was actively involved in various council proceedings, demonstrating a commitment to both honoring past contributions and shaping future council operations. In January, he paid a heartfelt tribute to former Councillor Ray Gibson, highlighting his colourful character
and connection to the Roman Road area, and proposed a commemoration. He also expressed optimism about recent council investments and the potential impression on visiting envoys, stating his hope that they would find the council
outstanding, outstanding, outstanding.
Councillor Ullah's participation extended to committee work, including the Appointments Sub Committee (March, July, September) and the Human Resources Committee (May, July), where he was substituted onto and off the committee multiple times and declared an interest as a GMB union member. He also engaged in discussions regarding council leadership and traditions, particularly around the election of a new speaker in May, where he expressed hopes for impartiality and the continuation of seating traditions, noting the speaker's absence from significant community events and royal visits.
His engagement in April included agreement with Councillor Peter Golds on council history and a pointed questioning of the Speaker's absence from ward events, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the role of the first citizen.
He also attended the Pensions Committee meetings in July and December.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During December 2025, Abdal Ullah was present at the Pensions Committee meeting on December 11th. No specific statements or actions were attributed to him in the provided documents.
Meetings in December 2025
Pensions Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 11 December 2025
Abdal Ullah was present at the Pensions Committee meeting on December 11th, 2025. No specific statements or actions were attributed to him in the provided documents.
Councillor Abdal Ullah attended the Council meeting on October 8, 2025. However, there is no record of any specific actions or statements made by them during the meeting.
Meetings in October 2025
Council - Wednesday, 8th October, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 8 October 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was present at the Council meeting on October 8, 2025. However, the provided documents do not contain any record of specific actions or statements made by them during the meeting.
During September 2025, Councillor Abdal Ullah sent apologies for the meeting on September 15th, 2025, which was scheduled for interviews for the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement and the Appointment Sub-Committee.
Meetings in September 2025
Interviews for the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, Appointment Sub-Committee - Monday, 15th September, 2025 10.15 a.m. - 15 September 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah sent apologies for the meeting.
Human Resources Committee - Monday, 1st September, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 1 September 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah attended the Human Resources Committee meeting. He expressed concerns about workforce motivation and service delivery to residents, particularly in light of upcoming legislation and potential changes in leaseholder demographics. He emphasized the importance of staff feeling valued and motivated to provide good service, referencing the impact of satisfactory repairs on resident perception and his own responsiveness to resident concerns. He also questioned how the council can better manage its resources and motivate staff to feel that their work impacts people's lives. He also seconded a motion to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of Section Two business.
Councillor Abdal Ullah served as a member of the Appointment Sub-Committee for the meeting on August 18, 2025, related to shortlisting for the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement. He was also present at the previous meeting in July. However, there is no record of Councillor Ullah speaking or taking any specific action during the August meeting.
Meetings in August 2025
Shortlisting for Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, Appointment Sub-Committee - Monday, 18th August, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 18 August 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was a member of the Appointment Sub-Committee for the meeting on August 18, 2025. He was also present in person at the previous meeting of the Appointment Sub-Committee held on July 29, 2025. There is no record of Councillor Ullah speaking or taking any specific action during either meeting.
During July 2025, Councillor Abdal Ullah was appointed as a substitute for Councillor Shubo Hussain on the Human Resources Committee. He also attended the Pensions Committee meeting virtually on July 21st and was present at the Appointment Sub-Committee meeting on July 29th. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him during the latter two meetings.
Meetings in July 2025
Longlisting for Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, Appointment Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 29th July, 2025 6.00 p.m. - 29 July 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was present at the Appointment Sub-Committee meeting on July 29th, 2025. The provided minutes do not contain any specific statements or actions attributed to him.
Pensions Committee - Monday, 21st July, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 21 July 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was noted as being in attendance virtually at the Pensions Committee meeting on 21st July 2025. There is no record of him speaking or taking any action during this meeting.
Council - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 16 July 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was appointed as a substitute for Councillor Shubo Hussain on the Human Resources Committee.
During May 2025, Councillor Abdal Ullah was active in council meetings, particularly concerning committee memberships and the election of a new speaker. At the Annual Meeting on May 14th, he expressed hopes for an impartial speaker and the continuation of a tradition regarding committee seating, stating,
Mr. Speaker, I can start by saying a fair speaker, one who has allowed people to speak fairly in this room, being impartial. All the merits and all the criteria of a good speaker. But in saying that, obviously, as my colleague has said, that you've done great things to improve the image of the borough. It was great to see your wonderful photo at the Buckingham Palace. I'm glad the King recognised and invited you for tea when you were absent from an engagement in the borough when Her Majesty came. Enough said about that. But I just want to finish by saying that whoever the next speaker becomes, I hope the tradition of leaving that side, coming on this side, is followed. So I look forward to that opportunity, because two are already on this side. So I look forward to seeing whoever becomes a speaker from maybe that side, maybe, that they will see sense and will come and join on this side of the bench. Thank you. Enjoy your retirement.
He was also involved in changes to the Human Resources committee, initially being substituted onto it, replacing Amina Ali, and then later substituted back onto it, replacing Asma Islam. At the Human Resources Committee meeting on May 22nd, he declared an interest as a GMB union member, a declaration that was made on February 5th, 2025.
Meetings in May 2025
Human Resources Committee - Thursday, 22nd May, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 22 May 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah declared an interest at the Human Resources Committee meeting on 05 February 2025, stating that he is a GMB union member.
Annual Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 14th May, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 14 May 2025
During the Annual Meeting of the Council, Councillor Abdal Ullah made a statement regarding the election of the new speaker, expressing hopes for impartiality and a continuation of tradition regarding committee seating.
Mr. Speaker, I can start by saying a fair speaker, one who has allowed people to speak fairly in this room, being impartial. All the merits and all the criteria of a good speaker. But in saying that, obviously, as my colleague has said, that you've done great things to improve the image of the borough. It was great to see your wonderful photo at the Buckingham Palace. I'm glad the King recognised and invited you for tea when you were absent from an engagement in the borough when Her Majesty came. Enough said about that. But I just want to finish by saying that whoever the next speaker becomes, I hope the tradition of leaving that side, coming on this side, is followed. So I look forward to that opportunity, because two are already on this side. So I look forward to seeing whoever becomes a speaker from maybe that side, maybe, that they will see sense and will come and join on this side of the bench. Thank you. Enjoy your retirement.
Councillor Abdal Ullah was also involved in discussions about committee memberships. He was initially substituted onto the Human Resources committee, replacing Amina Ali. Subsequently, there was a further change where he was substituted back onto the Human Resources committee, replacing Asma Islam.
During April 2025, Councillor Abdal Ullah of the Labour Party, representing St Katharine's & Wapping, participated in a council meeting on April 2nd. He voiced agreement with Councillor Peter Golds, referencing the council's history and dark days.
Councillor Ullah then questioned the Speaker's absence from several community events, including the Al Tabali, the lighting of razzmatazz lights in Brick Lane, and the Queen's visit to his ward. He highlighted the significance of language promotion and the first citizen's
role in welcoming dignitaries. (Note: Information from a previous meeting on February 26, 2025, regarding budget votes is also included for context, though it falls outside the specified month.)
Meetings in April 2025
Council - Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 2 April 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah of the Labour Party, representing St Katharine's & Wapping, spoke during the council meeting. He expressed agreement with Councillor Peter Golds and reflected on the council's history, including past dark days
and the importance of tradition. He then posed three direct questions to the Speaker regarding his absence from specific community events: the Al Tabali on the night of the 20th (for the 21st), the lighting of the razzmatazz lights in Brick Lane, and the visit of Her Majesty the Queen to his ward, St Catherine's in Wapping. He emphasized the importance of language promotion and the role of the first citizen
in receiving dignitaries.
In a previous Budget Council meeting on 26 February 2025, Councillor Abdal Ullah voted in favour of the Labour group amendment moved by Councillor Marc Francis, which ultimately fell. He also voted against an amendment moved by Councillor Nathalie Bienfait, which also fell. Finally, he voted against the main Budget Motion moved by Mayor Lutfur Rahman and Councillor Saied Ahmed, which carried.
During March 2025, Councillor Abdal Ullah attended the Appointments Sub Committee meeting on March 4th, 2025, which was related to the shortlisting for the Post of Director of Public Realm. Apologies for his absence were noted at a previous meeting on February 19th, 2025. No specific statements or actions by Councillor Ullah were recorded during the March 4th meeting.
Meetings in March 2025
Interviews for the post of Director of Public Realm, Appointments Sub Committee - Thursday, 20th March, 2025 10.00 a.m. - 20 March 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was present in person at the Appointments Sub Committee meeting on March 20, 2025. However, the available documentation does not record any specific actions or statements made by him during the meeting.
Pensions Committee - Monday, 10th March, 2025 6.45 p.m. - 10 March 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was present at the Pensions Committee meeting on March 10, 2025. He introduced himself at the beginning of the meeting, stating:
I'll start. Councillor Abdelullah St. Catherine is in Wapping. Good evening, everyone.
It is also noted that apologies for his absence were received at a previous Pensions Committee meeting held on November 11, 2024.
Shortlisting for the Post of Director of Public Realm, Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday, 4th March, 2025 1.30 p.m. - 4 March 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah was present at the Appointments Sub Committee meeting on Tuesday, 4th March 2025. The provided documents do not contain any record of him speaking or taking any specific actions during this meeting. It is noted that apologies for absence were recorded for Councillors Sirajul Islam and Abdal Ullah at the previous meeting on 19 February 2025.
During the February 5, 2025, Human Resources Committee meeting, Councillor Abdal Ullah declared no DPIs. He requested a confidential paper detailing the senior structure, stating: > Chair, with your permission, I've asked for that, and I would like to have that, if it's not too much trouble for someone in HR to provide the senior structure. He disagreed with disclosing the names of more junior staff in a document and suggested inquiries be made through established protocols. Ullah also expressed appreciation for the recruitment processes, noting the positive dates and diversity of interview candidates, stating: > The dates are great, and I think, you know, diverse and depending, and I think it was memorable of the people we were about to interview.
Meetings in February 2025
Human Resources Committee - Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 5 February 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah (St Katharine's & Wapping, Labour) participated in the Human Resources Committee meeting on February 5, 2025. He declared no DPIs. Ullah requested a confidential paper detailing the senior structure, stating:
Chair, with your permission, I've asked for that, and I would like to have that, if it's not too much trouble for someone in HR to provide the senior structure.
He disagreed with disclosing the names of more junior staff included in a document, referencing page 52 and beyond. Ullah suggested inquiries should be made through members' inquiries and via corporate directors and directors, referencing officer member protocol. He thanked Julie for the recruitment processes and expressed a positive view of the dates provided in a report and the diversity of the interview candidates, stating:
The dates are great, and I think, you know, diverse and depending, and I think it was memorable of the people we were about to interview.
During the January 22nd, 2025 council meeting, Councillor Abdal Ullah paid tribute to former Councillor Ray Gibson, whom he had known for approximately 25 years. He described Gibson as a geezer
with a colourful character
who embodied the spirit of the Roman Road area. Councillor Ullah expressed sadness at Gibson's passing and proposed that the council and mayor organize a commemoration in Bow to honor his contributions. He also briefly commented on recent investments and improvements, crediting staff and administration, and expressed a hope that visiting envoys would find the council outstanding, outstanding, outstanding.
Meetings in January 2025
Council - Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 22 January 2025
Councillor Abdal Ullah spoke about the passing of former Councillor Ray Gibson, sharing that he knew Ray for about 25 years, particularly when he served as a police authority member. He described Ray as a geezer
with a colourful character
who embodied the friendliness and cockney character
of the Roman Road area. Councillor Ullah expressed sadness at Ray's passing and suggested that the council, and the mayor specifically, should organize a commemoration in Bow to honor Ray's contributions to Bow West. Later, Councillor Ullah stated he would keep his remarks brief, agreeing with Councillor Goldstein. He acknowledged six to seven years of investment that led to improvements, crediting the dedication of staff and administration. He expressed a hope that the envoys present would describe the council as outstanding, outstanding, outstanding.
Throughout 2024, Councillor Abdal Ullah demonstrated consistent engagement with council proceedings, albeit with varying levels of direct participation. He was absent from one council meeting in May, having provided apologies, but was present at the Annual Meeting of the Council where he joined in acknowledging Councillor Jahed Choudhury's service. Ullah attended two council meetings in July (Pensions Committee and general Council meeting) without recorded specific actions or statements. In September, he declared nothing to declare
regarding interests at the Pensions Committee meeting, though he noted receiving a number of emails from...
. His most notable contribution occurred in November when he moved the report of the Standards Advisory Committee: Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee 2023-24 at a council meeting.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During December 2024, Abdal Ullah's participation in council meetings was noted in the Human Resources Committee meeting on December 12th. However, the provided information does not detail any specific contributions or actions made by Abdal Ullah during this meeting.
Meetings in December 2024
Human Resources Committee - Thursday, 12th December, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 12 December 2024
There is no mention of Abdal Ullah's contributions or actions in the provided documents for the Human Resources Committee meeting on December 12th, 2024.
During November 2024, Councillor Abdal Ullah moved the report of the Standards Advisory Committee: Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee 2023-24 at the council meeting on November 20th.
Meetings in November 2024
Council - Wednesday, 20th November, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 20 November 2024
Councillor Abdal Ullah moved the report of the Standards Advisory Committee: Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee 2023-24.
During the September 30, 2024, Pensions Committee meeting, Councillor Abdal Ullah declared nothing to declare
regarding interests, although he mentioned receiving a number of emails from...
.
Meetings in September 2024
Pensions Committee - Monday, 30th September, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 30 September 2024
During the Pensions Committee meeting on September 30, 2024, Councillor Abdal Ullah declared that he had nothing to declare
in terms of interests, though he noted receiving a number of emails from...
During July 2024, Councillor Abdal Ullah attended two council meetings: the Pensions Committee on July 1st and the general Council meeting on July 17th. There is no record of him speaking or taking any specific actions in either of these meetings.
Meetings in July 2024
Council - Wednesday, 17th July, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 17 July 2024
There is no record of Abdal Ullah speaking or taking any specific action during the Council meeting on 17th July 2024. While he was present at a previous meeting on 15 May 2024 and addressed the meeting along with other councillors, the content of his address was not detailed.
Pensions Committee - Monday, 1st July, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 1 July 2024
Councillor Abdal Ullah was in attendance virtually at the Pensions Committee meeting on July 1st, 2024. There is no record of them speaking or taking any action during the meeting.
During May 2024, Councillor Abdal Ullah was absent from the Council meeting on May 8th, having provided apologies. He was present at the Annual Meeting of the Council on May 15th, where he joined other councillors in acknowledging Councillor Jahed Choudhury's service as Speaker, expressing gratitude for his charitable efforts and wishing him well for the future.
Meetings in May 2024
Human Resources Committee - Thursday, 16th May, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 16 May 2024
Councillor Abdal Ullah declared no interests at the meeting. He expressed strong views on the consistency of appointment processes, particularly for directors and corporate directors. He argued that members who are unable to participate in the long-listing or short-listing stages should not be voting members of the interview panel, emphasizing the importance of feeding into the entire process for consistency.
For me, consistency is so important. I understand we have to, there will be acceptance circumstances because of which we can't be part of the long-listing or the short-listing. I can understand, but then to be part of the interview, I don't think that's consistent as my particular view.
He also raised concerns about the recruitment of junior staff, particularly in the youth service, advocating for a fair process to ensure individuals are fit for purpose
and not appointed based on political affiliations.
Can we make sure the corporate director and particularly the chief exit takes note of the junior staff or the part time staff or people who will be recruited for the leisure service are fit for purpose are not seem to be given fable jobs for people.
Responding to accusations of political interference, Councillor Ullah stated his experience led him to believe the youth service had previously been filled with individuals acting as agents for a past administration. He reiterated his desire for a workforce that reflects the community at all levels, but stressed the need for a fair process for junior posts, free from political influence.
I do want to see a workforce reflect the community at senior level,as well as junior level. But I'm mindful of the fact that I would like to see fair process and junior offices or junior posts are filled by people who are able, credible from within the community, and not those who are here are being told by here say that these are people who support a particular people or a particular group of people or a political persuasion."
Annual Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 15th May, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 15 May 2024
Councillor Abdal Ullah was present at the Annual Meeting of the Council. Following the Speaker's address, Councillor Ullah, along with other councillors, acknowledged Councillor Jahed Choudhury's service as Speaker. They expressed gratitude for his charitable efforts and the funds raised, and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.
Council - Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 8 May 2024
Councillor Abdal Ullah was absent from the Council meeting on Wednesday, 8th May, 2024, and had provided apologies.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
36 meetings ยท Page 5 of 8
Shortlisting for the Post of Director of Public Realm, Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday, 4th March, 2025 1.30 p.m.
The Appointments Sub Committee met to consider which candidates to shortlist for interview for the vacant post of Director of Public Realm. The committee agreed to shortlist a number of candidates for interview.
Budget Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 26th February, 2025 7.00 p.m.
The Council agreed to approve the 2025/26 budget report and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025-28. It was also agreed to adopt the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Investment Strategy Report and Capital Strategy Report for 2025-26. The Member Allowance Scheme for 2025/26 was also approved.
Human Resources Committee - Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 6.30 p.m.
The meeting discussed the performance of the council's Children's Services, the ongoing recruitment of senior staff, and a quarterly review of employee relations casework. A proposal by Councillor Abu Choundry, seconded by Councillor Shafiur Ahmed, that the membership of the council's Appointment Subcommittee be increased from 5 to 6 members and that the chair of the committee be an executive member, passed despite advice from the council's Monitoring Officer against doing so.
Council - Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025 7.00 p.m.
The meeting started with a tribute to former Councillor Ray Gibson, who passed away at the end of 2024. The Council then received a presentation from pupils at St John's School, Bethnal Green, who sang to celebrate the Council's recent Ofsted rating for Children's Services. The Council formally noted the 'outstanding' rating, and discussed the improvements that have taken place in the service since it was rated as 'inadequate' in 2017.
Human Resources Committee - Thursday, 12th December, 2024 6.30 p.m.
The committee noted the reports on the 2023/24 Early Retirement and Voluntary Redundancy scheme, the update on senior recruitment, and the quarterly review of employee relations casework. The committee also noted the proportionality calculations for the membership of the Appointments Sub-Committee and agreed to amend the membership arrangements to reflect them.
Decisions from Meetings
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Summary
Meetings Attended: 36
Average per Month: 1.6
Decisions Recorded: 0