Councillor Muhammad Sadiq was elected as the new Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton for the municipal year 2026-2027. The council also discussed and voted on the establishment of committees and the membership of party groups.

Election of Mayor

Councillor Muhammad Sadiq was formally elected as the Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Councillor Edward Joyce nominated Councillor Sadiq, highlighting his dedication, meticulous approach, and tireless advocacy for his ward and charities. Councillor Sam Martin seconded the nomination, emphasizing Councillor Sadiq's commitment to residents, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his qualities as a family man. Councillor Sadiq, in his acceptance speech, expressed his gratitude and outlined his intention to champion the local community, promote the borough, and raise funds for his chosen charities: The Kidney Fund at St. Helier Hospital and St. Raphael's Hospice.

Establishment of Committees and Membership of Party Groups

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, moved a report concerning the establishment of standing committees, regulatory committees, and other bodies, as well as local committees and related matters. He congratulated Councillor Sadiq on his election and thanked the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Louise Phelan, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Cumar Sahathevan, for their service. Councillor Lewis also welcomed newly elected councillors and highlighted the Liberal Democrats' mandate to govern Sutton, referencing their 40-year administration in the borough. He outlined the council's priorities, including addressing the cost of living crisis, creating jobs through projects like the London Cancer Hub, facilitating house building, supporting local businesses, and protecting green spaces.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Alison Long, proposing a change to the members' allowances scheme. The amendment aimed to ensure that both recognised opposition groups, the Reform UK group and the Independent and Labour Co-operative group, were properly and equally recognised and resourced. Councillor Mattey argued that an effective opposition is a necessity for democratic scrutiny and that under-resourcing opposition groups disenfranchises residents. Councillor Long echoed these sentiments, stating that fairness and equality of respect are fundamental principles.

Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, formally seconded the report.

Councillor Barry Lewis, in closing the debate on the amendment, questioned the consistency of Councillor Mattey's political affiliations and defended the council's committee system as allowing for scrutiny. He also highlighted Councillor Mattey's attendance record at previous meetings.

Following the debate, the amendment was put to a vote and lost. The original recommendation was then carried.

Questions from Councillors

Several questions were raised by councillors on various issues:

• Pothole Repairs: Councillor Patrick Magnus and Councillor Wendy Clark questioned Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, regarding the timeline for pothole repairs, particularly in Aultone Way, Carshalton. Councillor Woolmer stated that category 1 potholes are fixed within 24 hours, with temporary repairs made permanent within 28 days, and encouraged residents to report all potholes via the online portal.
• London Cancer Hub: Councillor Richard Clifton asked Councillor Barry Lewis about the next steps following planning consent for the London Cancer Hub. Councillor Lewis highlighted the project's significance, estimating 3,000-4,000 local jobs and emphasizing the foresight of the Liberal Democrat administration in initiating the project. He noted that the approval would go to the Mayor of London for sign-off, with construction expected to begin early the following year. Supplementary questions from Councillor Clifton and Councillor Tim Foster focused on employment impact and transport infrastructure, respectively. Councillor Lewis assured that transport infrastructure would be a priority.
• South London Waste Partnership (SLWP) and Emissions: Councillor Tim Crowley questioned Councillor Christopher Woolmer about cancelled SLWP meetings and Viridor's appearances to provide updates on Beddington Farmlands and emission breaches. Councillor Woolmer stated that only one meeting had been cancelled and that Viridor holds separate community liaison group meetings. He clarified that Beddington Farmlands is not within the Joint Waste Committee's remit. Supplementary questions from Councillor Crowley and Councillor Dave Tchil raised concerns about the number of emission breaches and the potential for air filtration systems in schools. Councillor Woolmer acknowledged the concerns but stated that the UK Health Agency considers the incinerator not to be a danger to health.
• Beech Tree Place New Homes: Councillor Qasim Esak inquired about the progress of new homes at Beech Tree Place. Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, confirmed practical completion was expected by June, with a formal handover thereafter. He also explained a change in housing mix, converting a shared ownership block to a fully rented scheme to meet demand for permanent accommodation. Councillor Nick Mattey asked for confirmation regarding heat pumps in all homes, which Councillor Short undertook to verify.
• New Specialist Emergency-Care Hospital: Councillor Neil Garratt questioned Councillor Barry Lewis about the council's actions to ensure the government delivers a new specialist emergency-care hospital in Sutton. Councillor Lewis criticised the previous Conservative government for failing to deliver on their promises and expressed confidence in the current Labour government, noting ongoing dialogue with the St. George's, Epsom and St. Helier Trust. Supplementary questions from Councillor Garratt and Councillor Tim Crowley challenged the council's commitment and past actions. Councillor Lewis defended the council's efforts, highlighting the work of local Liberal Democrat MPs.
• Police Abstraction Rates: Councillor Edward Joyce asked Councillor Sam Martin, Lead Member for Community Safety, for an update on police abstraction rates. Councillor Martin reported that the abstraction rate for Sutton in January 2026 was 13%, reflecting a downward trend, though he acknowledged it was higher in Councillor Joyce's ward. He committed to continued work with the police to increase frontline policing capacity. Councillor Richard Choi also asked about the police station and counter closures.
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): Councillor Mike Dwyer questioned Councillor Jake Short on enforcement actions taken against poorly managed HMOs. Councillor Short detailed the implementation of an Article 4 Directive and additional HMO licensing, with 85 inspections carried out in the past 12 months. Supplementary questions from Councillor Dwyer and Councillor Tony Shields raised concerns about data recording, the effectiveness of current systems, and the number of licensed HMOs with outstanding issues. Councillor Short acknowledged the need for robust systems and encouraged councillors to report any concerns.
• Communal Heating and Hot Water Charges: Councillor Cryss Mennaceur asked Councillor Jake Short about steps taken to ease the burden of communal heating and hot water charges. Councillor Short explained that charges are reviewed annually and have been reduced by approximately 50% for the coming municipal year due to falling energy prices. He also highlighted support services available for residents facing financial difficulties. Supplementary questions from Councillor Mennaceur and Councillor Dave Tchil explored the causes of past price increases and the reasons for differing price caps. Councillor Sunita Gordon responded to Councillor Tchil, explaining that the increase was inflation-linked and that the company was an independent entity.
• Fly-tipping and Illegal Fly-posting: Councillor Vanessa Udall asked Councillor Christopher Woolmer about the council's spending on fly-tipping and illegal fly-posting. Councillor Woolmer stated that specific figures are not broken down within the contract with Viridor, but that Kingdom Enforcement works with the council, funded by income from fixed penalty notices.
• Gritting of Pavements and Roads: Councillor Tony Shields asked Councillor Christopher Woolmer about calls received for gritting of pavements and roads not on the gritting list. Councillor Woolmer stated that 47 calls had been received and explained the council's Winter Treatment Policy, which prioritises key routes and provides grit bins for residents to use on other areas.
• Garden Waste Collections and Christmas Tree Collections: Councillor Patrick Magnus questioned Councillor Christopher Woolmer about the garden waste service, specifically the four-week break and uncollected Christmas trees. Councillor Woolmer confirmed the annual break and stated that arrangements were made for uncollected trees if reported.
• Adult Social Care Charges and Disability Related Expenditure (DRE): Councillor Mike Dwyer asked Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee, about blanket refusals in financial assessments and the current policy on DRE. Councillor James clarified that the maladministration case referred to was from another borough and that Sutton provides personalised assessments in accordance with statutory guidance. She also stated that DRE is not capped and is considered on an individual basis.
• Ofsted Report on Children's Services: Councillor Mike Dwyer asked Councillor Marian James about actions taken to address Ofsted recommendations for improvement in Children's Services and to reduce children placed in unregistered care homes. Councillor James confirmed that an action plan has been devised and will be presented to the Sutton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
• SEN Support Provision: Councillor Mike Dwyer questioned Councillor Marian James on actions to improve SEN support provision, noting that Sutton's percentage of pupils with SEN support is lower than national averages. Councillor James explained that this difference is influenced by factors such as the borough's demographic profile and the presence of selective secondary schools.
• Highway Maintenance Staffing and Administration: Councillor Tarquin de Meza asked Councillor Christopher Woolmer about the council's spending on highway maintenance staffing and administration compared to physical repairs, and how value for money is measured. Councillor Barry Lewis provided figures for revenue and capital spend, noting the difficulty in separating staff costs due to a shared Highway Service with Kingston. Supplementary questions from Mr. de Meza and Councillor Luke Taylor focused on tracking repair lifespans, contractor re-repairs, and the potential for releasing more detailed information to residents. Councillor Lewis offered to obtain further information.
• Speeding Traffic in South Cheam: Councillor David Hicks asked Councillor Christopher Woolmer about plans to address speeding traffic in South Cheam, particularly on Burdon Lane and Manor Road. Councillor Woolmer stated that the request for traffic calming measures would be added to the scheme request list and considered for future funding. He also discussed the effectiveness of 20mph speed limits and the process for obtaining funding for physical traffic calming measures.
• Driving Instructor Access to Streets: Jenna Hartley-Smith asked Councillor Christopher Woolmer about controls and limitations on driving instructors accessing streets in Cuddington Recreation Ground. Councillor Woolmer stated that local councils cannot control how qualified driving instructors use public streets, but can implement traffic calming measures applicable to all drivers.
• Flood Alleviation and Playground Refurbishment at Cuddington Recreation Ground: Jenna Hartley-Smith inquired about the progress and timelines for flood alleviation works and playground refurbishment at Cuddington Recreation Ground. Councillor Christopher Woolmer confirmed that a contractor has been appointed for the flood alleviation works, expected to be completed by September. He also detailed the planned replacement of the multi-play unit and basket swing in the playground, designed to be inclusive.
• Pothole and Resurfacing Works: Mr. Tarquin de Meza asked Councillor Barry Lewis about the council's approach to pothole and resurfacing works, including value for money, assurance mechanisms, and corrective actions for failed repairs. Councillor Lewis acknowledged the complexity of the question and offered to obtain further technical information.
• Political Leaflets and Littering: Richard Johnson questioned Councillor Barry Lewis about the possibility of paperless elections and the impact of political leaflets. Councillor Lewis stated that paperless elections are not currently feasible due to limitations in accessing voter contact details and the potential for misinformation online. He also highlighted the council's rigorous litter enforcement programme.