In a historic moment for British politics, Princess Opeyemi Bright has been inaugurated as the youngest-ever Mayor of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, becoming one of the youngest Black women to hold mayoral office in the United Kingdom.
Her swearing-in ceremony took place on May 16, 2025, following her election earlier in March.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Bright’s rise is not only a personal milestone but also a broader reflection of the growing political influence of the Nigerian diaspora worldwide.
“This is nothing short of God’s grace,” Bright said in her inaugural speech. “I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise.”
A Trailblazing Political Journey
Princess Bright first made headlines at age 22, when she was elected as the borough’s youngest Labour councillor. Over the past seven years, she has built a solid political résumé, serving in several roles, most recently as Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee.
Outside of politics, Bright is a Chartered Accountant with professional experience in investment banking and as a Senior Operations Manager at Uber UK. Her combined financial acumen and grassroots leadership have made her a standout figure in local governance.
A Family of Public Servants
Public service runs deep in Bright’s lineage. Her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007. Her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
The newly appointed mayor aims to use her platform to promote unity, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. She has pledged support to two charities that reflect her passions and personal experiences: Ab Phab Youth Club, which fosters inclusive youth programs, and Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a cause close to her heart due to her own journey with Crohn’s disease.
Representation and the Rise of Nigerians in Politics
Bright’s rise adds her name to a growing list of Nigerians making waves in international politics. Notable figures include Kemi Badenoch, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade; Chi Onwurah, Labour MP; Uzoma Asagwara, Canadian Minister; and Esther Agbaje, a Minnesota State Representative in the U.S.
Her election is especially meaningful in a political climate where young Black women remain vastly underrepresented in positions of leadership across the UK.
Leading with Vision and Heart
As First Citizen of Barking and Dagenham, Princess Bright is setting a new precedent—one defined by service, representation, and optimism.
“I hope my journey reminds young people, especially young Black girls, that leadership has no age limit and no cultural boundary,” she said.
With youth, experience, and purpose on her side, Mayor Princess Bright is poised to bring fresh energy to local governance—and inspire a new generation of changemakers in the process.
