Princess Opeyemi Bright becomes UK’s youngest Mayor at 29: "I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough"

Cllr Princess Opeyemi Bright has been appointed Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, becoming the youngest person in the UK to hold the ceremonial role at just 29.

Her appointment was confirmed on Friday (May 16), during the annual mayor-making ceremony at Barking Town Hall. She takes over from outgoing mayor Cllr Moin Quadri.

Cllr Bright, who was elected to the council in 2018 at age 22, brings a strong background in community engagement and youth advocacy. Born in Homerton Hospital and a borough resident since 2009, she has served as a school governor and sits on the board of Agile Africa, a nonprofit that equips young people with tech skills. She is also active as a mentor and regularly hosts career webinars for youth in Nigeria.

In her inaugural speech, Cllr Bright pledged to use her mayoral year to promote inclusivity and community pride, saying:"It is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve as a figurehead for the hopes and values of our community."

As part of her mayoral year, she has selected two charities to support: Ab Phab Youth Club, a local organisation that offers inclusive activities for disabled and non-disabled young people, and Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a national charity supporting people with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Cllr Bright, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011, said: “Through this partnership, I aim to raise awareness, advocate for better support, and bring hope to those affected.”

Her appointment marks a generational shift in a role often associated with tradition and ceremony. Looking ahead to her time in office, she pledged to honour the traditions of the role while also bringing a new energy to it.

“It is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve as a figurehead for the hopes and values of our community,” she said.

As Mayor, Cllr Bright will act as an ambassador for the borough, attending community events and representing Barking and Dagenham at official functions throughout the year.