The Council of Sutton met on Tuesday 26 May 2026 to elect a new Mayor and to establish the council's committees for the upcoming year. Councillor Muhammad Sadiq was elected as the new Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton for the municipal year 2026-2027. The meeting also saw the receipt of the report on the membership of party groups and the establishment of various council committees.

Election of Mayor

Councillor Muhammad Sadiq was elected as the new Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton for the municipal year 2026-2027. The nomination was moved by Councillor Edward Joyce and seconded by Councillor Sam Martin. Both councillors highlighted Councillor Sadiq's dedication to the community, his tireless work ethic, and his ability to bring people together. Councillor Sadiq, in his acceptance speech, expressed his gratitude for the honour and pledged to serve the borough with dedication, integrity, and pride. He announced his chosen charities for his mayoral year would be The Kidney Fund at St. Helier Hospital and St. Raphael's Hospice.

Membership of Party Groups and Establishment of Committees

The council received the report on the membership of party groups on the council, including their leaders and deputy leaders. Following this, the council considered the establishment of standing committees, regulatory committees, other bodies, and local committees. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, welcomed the newly elected councillors and outlined the Liberal Democrat administration's priorities, including addressing the cost of living crisis, creating jobs through projects like the London Cancer Hub, facilitating house building, and protecting green spaces.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey, Leader of the Labour Coop and Independent Group, regarding the allocation of special responsibility allowances for opposition groups. Councillor Alison Long, Leader of the Reform UK group, seconded the amendment, arguing for fairness and equal resourcing for recognised opposition groups. Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, argued against the amendment, stating that the original proposals already ensured equal resourcing for both opposition groups and that the amendment sought additional funds for the councillors themselves. The amendment was put to a vote and was lost. The original recommendations for the establishment of committees were then carried.