The Annual General Meeting of the London Borough of Bexley Council saw the election of Councillor Lisa Jane Moore as the new Mayor for the municipal year 2026-27. The meeting also addressed the appointment of various council leaders, committee members, and the approval of the council's calendar of meetings and working conventions for the upcoming year.

Election of Mayor

Councillor Lisa Jane Moore was elected as the Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley for the municipal year 2026-27. Councillor Nick O'Hare nominated Councillor Moore, highlighting her dedication as a councillor for Longlands Ward, her previous role as Deputy Mayor, and her background in journalism and public service. Councillor Frazer Brooks seconded the nomination, emphasising Councillor Moore's commitment to supporting residents and her ability to unite the council. Councillor Moore, in her acceptance speech, outlined her theme for the year, Samunya Bexley or Bexley Together, inspired by a word from several South African languages meaning we are one or we are together. She announced that her chosen charities for the year would be Crossroads Care South East London, Truly Beloved, and the Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group. The council also formally thanked the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Christine Catterall, for her service during the 2025-26 municipal year.

Appointment of Council Leader and Cabinet

Councillor David Leaf was appointed as the Leader of the Council until the annual meeting in May 2030. Councillor Dave Curtis seconded the nomination. Following this, Councillor Leaf confirmed the Cabinet appointments and portfolios, as detailed in the supplementary report.

Committee Structure and Appointments

The council reviewed and approved the committee structure, including the size of committee memberships and the allocation of seats to political groups, ensuring adherence to principles of political balance. Following this, members were appointed to various committees, panels, and other bodies, as well as to represent the council on outside bodies. These appointments will be in effect until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2027.

Calendar of Meetings and Working Conventions

The Calendar of Meetings for the 2026/27 municipal year was approved, with some amendments to previously scheduled dates. The council also reviewed and agreed upon the Working Conventions for 2026/27. During the discussion on working conventions, Councillor Cameron Smith expressed disappointment regarding changes to the number of opposition members required to call in executive decisions, suggesting this made it more difficult for the opposition to challenge cabinet decisions. Councillor David Leaf responded by stating that while the number of members required to call in a decision had changed, it did not preclude scrutiny and that cabinet members and scrutiny chairmen remained available for discussions. He also noted that the new requirement was proportionately lower than in previous years and that the potential for a uniparty opposition, where Labour and Reform UK could join forces, was a possibility.