Princess Opeyemi Bright has made history as the youngest currently serving mayor in the United Kingdom.
At just 29 years old, she now wears the Civic Mayor’s chain in the Borough of Barking and Dagenham, East London.
Her story is one of determination, service, and pride in her Nigerian heritage, and it is already inspiring a new generation of leaders across both the UK and Nigeria.
Born in 1995 at Homerton Hospital in London, Princess Bright grew up in a home grounded in service and faith.
Her mother, Dr Afolasade Bright, served as the Mayor of Hackney in 2006, while her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright, MBE, is a senior pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The family moved to Barking and Dagenham in 2009, where Princess Bright would later begin her political journey.
At 16, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a life-changing moment that deepened her empathy and commitment to public health advocacy.
Despite the challenges, she pursued education with unwavering focus, earning a degree in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Westminster in 2017 and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2021.
Her career took her into investment banking and later into the technology sector, where she worked as a Senior Operations Manager at Uber UK.
Princess Bright entered public service officially in 2018 when she was elected the youngest Labour councillor in Barking and Dagenham at the age of 22.
Her leadership potential was quickly recognised, leading to her appointment as Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee, a role she used to push for transparency and strong governance within the council.
Now, as Civic Mayor, she continues to break barriers while representing more than two hundred thousand residents.
She has dedicated her mayoral year to supporting causes close to her heart, including Crohn’s and Colitis UK, which aligns with her personal health journey, and the Ab Phab Youth Club, reflecting her passion for youth empowerment and inclusion.
Five Things to Know About Princess Opeyemi Bright
1. She is the youngest serving mayor in the United Kingdom
Princess Bright made history when she was officially sworn in as Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham in May 2025. At 29 years old, she holds the distinction of being the youngest person currently serving in such a capacity across the UK.
2. Her public service journey began early
Before becoming mayor, Princess Bright was elected as a councillor at just 22 years old.
Her early start in public office saw her rise to chair the Audit and Standards Committee, showing not only her leadership ability but her dedication to promoting accountability in governance.
3. She combines political leadership with corporate experience
Bright is a Chartered Accountant who has worked in both finance and tech.
Her roles in investment banking and as a Senior Operations Manager at Uber UK have given her the skills to navigate complex systems and manage people effectively, both of which she brings into her current role in civic leadership.
4. She comes from a family with a legacy of leadership
Public service runs in her family. Her mother was a former mayor and her father continues to serve as a senior religious leader. This background gave her early exposure to leadership and grassroots community service, which has clearly influenced her own path.
5. She is passionate about youth development and diaspora engagement
Beyond her ceremonial duties, Princess Bright is committed to empowering young people, promoting education, and strengthening links between the UK and Nigeria.
Her selection of Crohn’s and Colitis UK and Ab Phab Youth Club as her official charities reflects her dedication to both personal and community causes.
She also actively works to uplift fellow Nigerians living in the diaspora and hopes to create more opportunities for them.
