'I'm proud to call Luton my home' New council leader sets out her priorities for the town

And she has set out her priorities for the town – including improving its ‘look and feel’ by tackling issues like fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour.

She said: “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."

Councillor Saleem takes over the council’s ruling Labour administration from Labour Lewsey councillor Hazel Simmons, who served the town for 35 years and was leader for almost 20 of those.

In one of her final duties after a year in the mayoral role, Labour Northwell councillor Amy Nicholls nominated councillor Saleem to succeed councillor Simmons, saying: “I’m really proud we’ve such strong female leadership of our town.

“There are two female Luton MPs and also Hazel, who’s been leader of the council for 19 years. I know Tahmina is going to build on that strong legacy that Hazel has created.

“This is going to be an important moment for our town, as Tahmina will be our first Global Majority leader. So it’s an absolute honour to nominate councillor Saleem for appointment as executive leader for a term of office of one year, ending on the day of the annual meeting of the council to be held in 2027.”

New town mayor and Labour Beech Hill councillor Javed Hussain then confirmed councillor Saleem’s “appointment as executive leader” unopposed.

Born in Sheffield, councillor Saleem settled in Luton in 2007. She was elected to the local authority in Round Green ward at the 2019 local elections, before being re-elected in May 2023 to represent Biscot ward.

She was appointed to the children’s services, families and education portfolio as an executive member in May 2021, with specific responsibilities for children and their health and wellbeing.

Councillor Saleem only left the committee and her executive role when she was asked to become the town’s mayor in May 2024, spending the next 12 months serving that civic role.

One of her first responsibilities on her return to the executive as its leader was to confirm the councillors appointed to the local authority portfolios. The entire committee is made up of Labour councillors, with High Town councillor Umme Ali as the new deputy.

She replaces Labour Beech Hill councillor Javed Hussain in that role, after his appointment as the new town mayor. Councillor Ali will also retain the children’s services portfolio.

With Labour Northwell councillor Rob Roche having resigned as finance portfolio holder, that position has been accepted by Central councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif.

Dallow councillor Alia Khan is appointed to the housing portfolio, while Beech Hill councillor Rumi Chowdhury will be responsible for adult social care and public health.

High Town councillor James Taylor moves to a different portfolio of education, employment and skills, with Challney councillor Basit Mahmood taking over his previous role in charge of regeneration and inclusive growth.

Farley councillor Javeria Hussain has a new portfolio of public realm and sustainable transport, with Leagrave councillor Maria Lovell keeping her portfolio addressing community safety, women and equality.

Councillor Ali took over councillor Saleem’s children’s services, families and education portfolio when she left her executive role to become mayor. In June 2024, councillor Ali was appointed Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire.