James Asser is the Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, elected in 2024 after replacing Lyn Brown. He has served as chair of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee and vice-chair of its equality sub-committee, leading LGBT and disability work. 

A Newham councillor since 2018 and former Deputy Mayor for Environment and Sustainable Transport, he has a background in health, housing and public affairs, with over 20 years’ experience in organisations including Shelter UK and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.