Earlier this month, I was re-elected as the London Assembly Member for City and East. To me, the result made waiting until late on the Saturday night worthwhile: I received 57 per cent of the vote, and a 78,000 vote majority.

That result only increases my sense of responsibility towards east London, particularly in confronting the challenges ahead as we recover from Covid-19.

I want to thank the good people of Barking and Dagenham for putting their faith in me at such a time.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Unmesh Desai says reports show east London will suffer the worst employment rate in London by the end of the yearUnmesh Desai says reports show east London will suffer the worst employment rate in London by the end of the year (Image: City Hall)

This term, I continue to sit on the police and crime committee, where my priority is to continue the campaign for more police resources so that the Met can do more to tackle violent crime, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, hate crime and antisocial behaviour.

I am particularly concerned about the appalling 1.6pc conviction rate for rape and serious sexual offences.

I have also joined the transport committee, where I will continue to make the case for better transport connectivity for east London, and in particular for another river crossing east of Beckton and for further extension of the DLR and Overground in Barking and Dagenham.

Lastly, I wish to congratulate Fatuma Nalule on being elected as a councillor for Thames ward. Her connection to the local community and the work she has already done there bodes well for her serving the ward well.