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Summary
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The Council meeting on Thursday, 21 May 2026, saw the election of a new Mayor and Leader of the Council, alongside the formalisation of committee structures and meeting schedules for the upcoming municipal year. Key decisions included the appointment of Councillor Marcelo Hart-Camus as Mayor and Councillor Paul Perkins as Leader of the Council, alongside the establishment of various committees and the approval of the council's meeting programme for 2026/27.
Election of Mayor
Councillor Marcelo Hart-Camus was elected as the new Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The meeting began by formally thanking Councillor Tony Bell for his service as the outgoing Mayor during the 2025/26 municipal year. Councillor Hart-Camus, whose mayoral theme will be togetherness,
announced Neil Anderson Hart-Camus as their consort and named East London Out Project (ELOP) and Waltham Forest Migrant Action as their chosen charities for the year.
Election of Leader of the Council
Councillor Paul Perkins was appointed as the Leader of the Council for a four-year term. Following his election, Councillor Perkins addressed the Council, outlining his priorities and policy directions for his term. He also announced the appointment of Cabinet Members and the allocation of responsibilities, as detailed in Appendix A of the Order Paper. The Leaders of the Green and Conservative groups, Councillors Kizzy Gardiner and Emma Best respectively, responded to Councillor Perkins' address.
Appointment of Committees and Other Council Bodies
The Council formally appointed standing committees for the municipal year 2026-27, determining the number of seats on each committee and allocating them to party groups in accordance with political balance rules. Councillors were appointed to these committees based on nominations from Group Whips, and chairs and vice-chairs were also appointed. The memberships of the Boards of Directors of Local Authority Trading Companies were noted, and the terms of reference for standing committees were agreed to align with the Council's constitution. A scheme for supernumerary members to substitute for named committee members was also agreed, with specific arrangements for the Health and Wellbeing Board, Coordinating Scrutiny Committee, and other Scrutiny Committees.
Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies/Organisations
Representatives of the Council and other individuals were appointed to serve on various external bodies and organisations for 2026/27, following nominations from the Party Whips.
Scheme of Delegation
The Council agreed to the delegation of non-executive functions to officers, as outlined in the Council's Constitution and the General Scheme of Delegation. It was also agreed that officers with delegated powers could further delegate these to other officers, and the Director of Governance and Law was delegated the power to make and publish necessary changes to the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation.
Programme of Meetings for 2026/27
The Programme of Meetings for 2026/27 was approved. The Chief Executive, in consultation with the party Whips, was authorised to agree any subsequent changes to the programme that might arise from clashes in committee memberships. Specific adjustments were made to the dates of the Planning Committee, Audit and Governance Committee, and the Inclusive Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee.
Returning Officer's Results of Local Election 2026
The Council received and noted the results of the local election held on 7 May 2026. The notification of party groups and leaders, along with the schedule of motions for the year, was also presented. The Green Group, led by Councillor Paul Perkins, emerged as the largest group with 31 members, followed by the Labour Group with 15 members, and the Conservative Group with 14 members.
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 26 February 2026
The minutes of the special budget and council tax setting meeting held on 26 February 2026 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Mayor.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Election of the Mayor
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest Council resolved on 21 May 2026 that Councillor Marcelo Hart-Camus be elected Mayor until their successor is appointed.
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Appointment of Committees and other Council Bodies in 2026/27 and Related Decisions
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest Council decided on 21/05/2026 to appoint standing committees for the municipal year 2026-27, determine committee seat numbers and allocations, appoint councillors to committees and chairs/vice-chairs, and note memberships of Local Authority Trading Company Boards. The Council also agreed that all councillors would be appointed as supernumerary members for substitutions, with specific rules for the Health and Wellbeing Board, Coordinating Scrutiny Committee, and other Scrutiny Committees.
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Returning Officer's Results of Local Election 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council received the Returning Officer's Report on the results of the Local Election held on 7 May 2026. The report noted the persons elected as Councillors.
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Election of Leader of the Council
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest Council agreed that Councillor Paul Perkins is appointed as Leader of the Council for a term of four years on 21 May 2026.
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Leader's Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest Council received the Leader's report on 21 May 2026.
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Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 26 February 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest agreed the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on 26 February 2026. The Council agreed to increase the basic amount of council tax by 2.99% and the Adult Social Care precept by 2%, bringing the total increase to 4.99% for 2026/27. The Council agreed to maintain the maximum percentage allowed for the empty homes premium and a 100% premium on dwellings empty for one year or substantially furnished but without a resident.
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Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies/Organisations in 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest agreed to appoint representatives to outside bodies and organisations on 21/05/2026. Recommendations for these appointments, made by Party Whips, were approved.
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Programme of Meetings for 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest Council approved the Programme of Meetings for 2026/27 on 21 May 2026. The Chief Executive, in consultation with party Whips, was authorised to agree any subsequent changes to the programme. Specific meeting dates were moved, including the Planning Committee from 7 October 2026 to 13 October 2026.
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Scheme of delegation
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Waltham Forest Council agreed to delegate non-executive functions to officers and allow further delegation of these powers. The Director of Governance and Law was delegated the power to make and publish necessary changes to the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation.
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