Last spring, councillor Princess Bright was inaugurated as the new Civic Mayor of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, succeeding Councillor Moin Quadri at a ceremonial mayor-making event held at Barking Town Hall.
A true local through and through, Mayor Bright has called Barking and Dagenham home since 2009. Elected to represent Eastbrook and Rush Green ward in 2018 at just 22 years old, she brings both youthful energy and seven years of civic experience to the role.
Her background is anchored in community engagement: she has served as a governor at Robert Clack School and as a board member with Agile Africa, an NGO dedicated to empowering youth with tech skills. These roles illustrate her long-standing commitment to nurturing opportunity among the borough’s young and often underserved populations.
In her inaugural speech, Mayor Bright spoke from the heart, emphasising her core values: inclusivity, tradition, and fostering community pride. “I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home,” she said, promising to elevate local heroes, strengthen ties with schools and businesses, and champion community initiatives.
During her mayoral year, she has chosen to support two charities close to her mission and her life story:
- Ab Phab Youth Club, which encourages inclusive youth participation by bridging disabled and non-disabled young people through shared activities, growth opportunities, and decision-making.
- Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a national charity providing support and advocacy for people with inflammatory bowel diseases. Mayor Bright, who was herself diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011, hopes to bring greater awareness, stronger support structures, and hope to others walking a similar.
Locals may know Mayor Bright as someone who combines local roots, empathy, and ambition. Her at-a-glance profile underscores this: a Labour Party councillor representing Eastbrook & Rush Green, serving on the Ceremonial Council,
and active in local governance and community clubs.
In short, Bright’s ascent to the mayoralty represents a blend of youthful leadership, lived experience, and heartfelt dedication. For residents in Barking & Dagenham, she embodies a contemporary vision of civic engagement – one that
honours tradition while amplifying voices often left unheard.
By Venilia Amorim, local resident and REB member
