In a historic appointment, Councillor Princess Opeyemi Bright has been named the Civic Mayor of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for the 2025–2026 municipal year, becoming the youngest individual to hold the position at just 29 years old.
Bright's journey in public service began in 2018 when she was elected as the youngest Labour councillor in the borough at the age of 22. She quickly rose through the ranks and, by 23, was appointed Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee, where she was instrumental in promoting financial transparency and accountability.
Professionally, Bright is a qualified Chartered Accountant, having achieved certification with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) in 2021. Her career spans investment banking and strategic leadership within the tech industry, where she serves as a senior strategy and operations manager.
Bright’s dedication to community development is reflected in her work as a school governor and her involvement in youth mentorship initiatives. She is widely recognized as a dynamic voice for youth representation and diversity in politics.
She also hails from a family with a strong legacy in public service. Her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright, was awarded an MBE in 2015 for services to education.
Her mother, Councillor Afolasade Bright, is currently the Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration in Barking and Dagenham and a former Mayor of Hackney.
As Civic Mayor, Opeyemi Bright will represent Barking and Dagenham at official functions and community events, bringing a new generation of leadership to the borough.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone and serves as an inspiration to young people across the UK, especially women and individuals from minority backgrounds.
