29-year-old Princess Opeyemi Bright has made history after being inaugurated as Barking and Dagenham’s youngest ever Mayor on May 16th 2025.

The British-Nigerian’s mega milestone has helped to disprove stereotypes that keep black people and young people from holding major political positions. As the youngest mayor in the UK, Bright’s inauguration and hopefully her work will help to prove that young people can hold political power and make a positive impact. Bright’s accomplishments have been no easy feat, and the magnitude of people and marginalised communities inspired by her has become clear since her ascension, including women, immigrants, people of colour and young people. 

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After graduating from university Bright launched her career in investment banking before eventually qualifying as a chartered accountant and member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) in 2021. Bright's other remarkable achievements include accolades such as the Universal Peace Federation’s Young Achiever Award and the Young Politician of the Year award at the Nigerian High Commission.

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 Bright’s is no stranger to breaking records in any field she enters. Her political aspirations started before she became Barking and Dagenham's youngest Labour councillor at just 22-years-old, in 2018 or the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee the following year. Rather, her exposure to and love for politics no doubt began with her mother Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, who served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007. Brights highly accomplished family also includes her father Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, a senior church minister. 

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During her record-breaking inauguration Bright stated: 

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“This is nothing short of God’s grace…

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.”

Bright also took to her Instagram to highlight the momentous occasion, captioning the post:

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“At just 29, l've decided to take a year out of my corporate career to give back to the Borough that raised me - not just as a Councillor, but now as your Mayor.

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Barking and Dagenham is my home, my heart, and my community. I'm deeply honoured to serve it.

Being Mayor is more than a title - it's a promise to be present, visible, and to uplift every corner of our Borough.

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Over the next year, I'll be in our schools, with our residents, supporting local businesses, walking our high streets, and celebrating the people and places that make Barking and Dagenham extraordinary.

Together, we'll share our stories, raise our voices, and keep moving our borough forward.

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God bless Barking and Dagenham.”

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Her posts of the inauguration have attracted support, encouragement and praise from around the country and have highlighted just how important this accomplishment is for both Bright and the thousands of people she is actively inspiring. 

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