Unmesh Desai

Constituency: City and East

Year elected: 2016

About

Unmesh has a long-standing interest in policing, justice and community safety. Before entering elected office, he worked as a criminal defence lawyer for a human rights firm, researched police and crime issues in local government and contributed to a civil rights organisation focused on police accountability.

As a Newham councillor, Unmesh chaired the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and served in the Cabinet, leading first on community affairs and then on crime and antisocial behaviour.

He has held roles with the Local Government Information Unit, Liberty and the London Labour Party Regional Board. His wider interests include community sport, trade unions and civic organisations.

Proudest achievements

• Campaigning on police pay, working conditions, resources and officer welfare.
• Successfully pressing for a Metropolitan Police investigation into alleged breaches of Covid regulations at Downing Street.
• Publishing a report on cuckooing in London, identifying 316 cases in 2022 and recommending measures to protect vulnerable residents.
• Helping to prevent cuts to local bus routes including the D7 and D3 in Tower Hamlets.
• Supporting the delivery of 758 affordable homes in Tower Hamlets.

Priorities

• Supporting local businesses, public services and job creation across City and East.
• Protecting and improving local transport links and bus services.
• Tackling the housing crisis, with a focus on affordability and supply.
• Strengthening policing, community safety and accountability.
• Protecting vulnerable residents from exploitation, including cuckooing.

Committee roles

• Member of the Police and Crime Committee.
• Member of the Economy Committee.
• Member of the Budget and Performance Committee.