Darren was first elected to Barking & Dagenham Council in 2010 and became Leader in 2014. Since then he has set the vision and direction of Barking & Dagenham Council, establishing the borough as one of the most important growth opportunities in London. This includes being home to the capital’s single largest housing developments at Barking Riverside dubbed Barcelona on Thames.
Darren is passionate about regeneration being at the heart of the community. He is an advocate for more affordable live/work spaces for artists and is the driver behind providing London’s first film studios since Pinewood opened its doors 80 years ago.
Proudest housing achievement: Being Leader of the only borough in the Capital to provide housing which is affordable to those earning the Mayor’s London Living Wage.
Anecdote illustrating a moment when persistence paid off/wen you overcame a hurdle: Changing the reputation of the borough I lead to one that is at the forefront of transformation and renewal.
Darren was appointed as London Councils’ Executive member for housing and planning in May 2018.