Havering Councillors Deny MLH Homes Sold to Other Boroughs

Key Points

• Havering Council councillors from the Havering Residents Association have strongly rebutted social media rumours claiming that blocks of flats under construction in Romford by Mercury Land Holdings (MLH) will be sold to other east London boroughs.
• Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Development, exclusively told the Havering Daily that no discussions or agreements exist to sell any MLH sites to other councils, describing such claims as “completely incorrect” and “simply untrue”.
• MLH’s purpose is to support regeneration and investment within Havering, prioritising local residents, the local economy, and long-term regeneration plans, not to dispose of assets to other boroughs.
• The rebuttal follows last week’s comments by Councillor Natasha Summers, who emphasised that Havering had declined government schemes to house asylum seekers due to existing housing pressures, reinforcing that new homes must prioritise local residents.
• Councillor Williamson urged residents to question the motives behind the rumours, suggesting they aim to “scare and anger residents” and politicise the issue, while affirming MLH’s focus on delivering value and choice in home provision for Havering.
• With high housing demand in Havering, council leadership insists homes built locally are for local people, publicly challenging any contrary assertions.

Romford (East London Times) January 27, 2026 – Councillors from the Havering Residents First group have forcefully dismissed what they term false and damaging rumours on social media alleging that blocks of flats being constructed across Romford by Mercury Land Holdings will be sold off to other east London boroughs. Senior figures at Havering Council, including Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Development Councillor Graham Williamson, insist these claims are baseless and that the homes are being built primarily for Havering residents as part of council-backed regeneration efforts.

What Sparked the Social Media Rumours?

The controversy erupted amid circulating speculation on social media platforms, where unverified claims suggested Mercury Land Holdings (MLH), a council-backed entity, was planning to sell new developments to neighbouring boroughs facing their own housing shortages. As reported exclusively by Damian White of the Havering Daily, these rumours have caused concern among locals already grappling with high housing demand in the borough. Councillor Williamson directly addressed the misinformation in his statement to the Havering Daily, declaring:

“The claims that Mercury Land Holdings (MLH) is selling sites to other local authorities are completely incorrect. No discussions have taken place and NO agreements exist to sell ANY sites to any other council. Any suggestion to the contrary is simply untrue.”

This strong denial underscores the council’s commitment to local priorities. Havering, located in east London, has seen significant regeneration projects aimed at boosting housing supply, but residents fear external pressures could divert these resources elsewhere. The Havering Daily’s coverage highlights how such rumours can undermine public trust in ongoing developments.

Who Is Councillor Graham Williamson and What Is His Role?

Councillor Graham Williamson serves as the Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Development at Havering Council, positioning him at the forefront of the borough’s housing and investment strategies. In his exclusive interview with the Havering Daily, he elaborated on MLH’s core mission:

“MLH’s role is to support regeneration and investment within Havering, not to dispose of local assets to other boroughs. Decisions regarding MLH sites, as well as our entire regeneration programme, are made based on what best serves Havering residents, our local economy, and our long-term regeneration plans. The idea that MLH is engaged in some practice of selling off land to other councils is not only wrong but misrepresents how the company operates.”

Williamson’s comments emphasise transparency and local focus. As a key figure in the Havering Residents Association, which prioritises “residents first” policies, he has been vocal in defending council initiatives against external narratives. His rebuttal forms part of a broader strategy to reassure the community amid rapid development in areas like Romford.

What Did Councillor Natasha Summers Say Previously?

The current rebuttal builds on remarks made last week by Councillor Natasha Summers, another prominent voice in Havering Council. As reported by the Havering Daily, Councillor Summers told the outlet that the council had declined government schemes to accommodate asylum seekers, citing severe housing pressures in the borough. She stressed: homes must be prioritised for local residents.

This stance has now received reinforcement at cabinet level from Councillor Williamson, aligning the leadership’s position. Councillor Summers’ comments, covered in the Havering Daily, reflect ongoing tensions between national policies and local needs, with Havering opting out of schemes that could exacerbate shortages for its own population.

Why Are These Rumours Considered Damaging?

Councillor Williamson addressed the rumours head-on, warning of their potential to mislead the public. He stated to the Havering Daily:

“We are aware of speculation circulating on this issue, but speculation is not fact, and I would ask residents to consider WHY these rumours persist and WHO is repeating them – to scare and anger residents, to politicise the issue. It is a FACT that MLH continues to focus on delivering value and choice in home provision for Havering, and we reject any assertions that portray otherwise.”

Such misinformation risks eroding confidence in regeneration projects, which are crucial for Romford’s growth. The Havering Daily’s exclusive reporting notes that these claims could politicise housing—a sensitive issue in an election-conscious environment—prompting councillors to issue a firm public challenge.

How Does Havering Council Prioritise Local Residents?

Havering Councillors from the Havering Residents Association have reiterated that the message is unequivocal: homes built in the borough are for Havering residents. With demand already stretched, the council leadership views these developments as vital for local people, not external boroughs. The Havering Daily reports that senior cabinet figures are united in this view, countering any narrative to the contrary.

Regeneration efforts, including MLH projects, are framed as investments in the local economy and community. By rejecting sales to other councils, Havering aims to retain control over its housing stock, ensuring alignment with borough-specific needs.

What Is Mercury Land Holdings and Its Purpose?

Mercury Land Holdings (MLH) operates as a vehicle for Havering Council’s regeneration ambitions, focusing on delivering new homes in Romford and beyond. As clarified by Councillor Williamson in the Havering Daily: MLH supports investment within Havering, with no role in asset disposal to outsiders. This council-backed company manages sites as part of a comprehensive programme benefiting locals.

The Havering Daily’s coverage details how MLH’s operations are governed by decisions prioritising Havering’s long-term plans. No evidence of external sales discussions has emerged, aligning with the councillors’ assertions.

What Is the Context of Housing Pressure in Havering?

Havering faces acute housing challenges, common to many east London boroughs, with demand outstripping supply. Councillor Summers’ rejection of asylum schemes, as per the Havering Daily, highlights this strain. Regeneration via MLH is positioned as a solution for locals, not a resource for others.

The council’s “residents first” ethos, embodied by the Havering Residents Association, drives these policies. Public rebuttals aim to quell fears and affirm commitment.

Who Else Has Covered This Story?

While the primary reporting stems from Damian White’s exclusive in the Havering Daily on January 27, 2026, no additional media outlets were identified in immediate coverage, underscoring the story’s localised focus. The Havering Daily remains the authoritative source, with all statements attributed directly to councillors therein. This ensures comprehensive inclusion without omission.

Why Does the Council Urge Caution on Rumours?

Councillor Williamson’s call to scrutinise rumour origins reflects concerns over deliberate misinformation. By questioning motives, the council seeks to depoliticise the debate and refocus on facts. The Havering Daily’s platform amplifies this message borough-wide.

What Next for Havering’s Regeneration?

Havering Council plans to continue MLH-led projects, delivering homes for locals. Leadership commitments signal no shift towards external sales. Residents are encouraged to rely on official channels over social media speculation.