Luton Borough Council has selected Tahmina Saleem to serve as its new leader, marking a significant transition for the local authority. Saleem, a former town mayor and current councillor for Biscot ward, will step into the role as long-serving leader Hazel Simmons prepares to leave the position after 19 years.
Saleem was elected as the Labour group leader on 30 March 2026. She is set to be formally confirmed at the council’s Annual General Meeting on 19 May 2026, which is the same day that Simmons will officially step down. Simmons, who has been a councillor for Lewsey ward since 1991 and was awarded an MBE in 2017 for her services to local government and the community, will continue to serve as a ward councillor.
Alongside the change in leadership, the council has appointed a new deputy leader. Umme Ali, a councillor for High Town who also serves as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, will replace the outgoing deputy, Javed Hussain.
Looking ahead, Saleem has highlighted her intention to focus on securing the town’s economic future, including prioritising the use of £40 million in government funding through the Pride in Place programme. This transition comes as the council continues to manage ongoing regeneration efforts and major developments, such as the airport expansion, the Power Court stadium, and new housing and job initiatives at the former Vauxhall site.
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