The Council of Merton Council convened for a special virtual meeting where Councillor Gill Manly was elected as the new Mayor for the forthcoming year. The meeting also saw the approval of amendments to the council's constitution, including the amalgamation of the Borough Plan Advisory Committee and the Planning Applications Committee.

Election of New Mayor

Councillor Gill Manly was elected as the new Mayor of Merton for the year 2023-2024. The nomination was put forward by Councillor Chris Cuisine, who highlighted Councillor Manly's diverse talents as a jazz singer, playwright, artist, and actress, as well as her dedication to her ward. Councillor Michael Butcher seconded the nomination, emphasizing Councillor Manly's fierce advocacy and hard work for the residents of Cricket Green. Councillor Daniel Holden, on behalf of the Conservative Group, welcomed the nomination and pledged support. Following the election, Councillor Manly appointed Councillor Martin Whelton as her Deputy Mayor. Her consort will be Anne Gillespie, and her Chaplain will be Father David Pennells.

Vote of Thanks to Outgoing Mayor

A vote of thanks was moved by Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of the Council, to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Joan Henry, and her Deputy, Councillor Agatha Mary Akyigyina OBE. Councillor Garrod commended Councillor Henry's dedication, dignity, and decorum during her year in office, noting her work in supporting national celebrations and her fundraising efforts for the Dons Local Action Group and the Jimmy Asher Foundation, which raised over £50,000. Councillor Anthony Fairclough seconded the vote of thanks, acknowledging the busy civic and ceremonial year Councillor Henry had experienced. Councillor Daniel Holden also expressed gratitude for Councillor Henry's service. Councillor Edward Foley praised Councillor Henry's dedication, passion, and integrity, highlighting her championing of community engagement and her support for local charities. Councillor Susie Hicks echoed these sentiments, remarking on Councillor Henry's warmth, dignity, and tireless efforts in attending nearly 500 engagements. Councillor John Oliver shared a personal reflection on how Councillor Henry made him feel welcome and valued during his first year on the council. Councillor Joan Henry responded, expressing her gratitude for the support she received from all councillors and her family, and particularly thanking Councillor Brenda Fraser for the opportunity to become a councillor. She also spoke about her personal journey and her commitment to serving the people of Merton.

Constitution of Committees and Other Bodies

The council approved the constitution of committees and other bodies for the upcoming year. Councillor Ross Garrod presented the report, emphasizing the importance of scrutiny and noting that the membership of committees would have a better balance between parties. An additional place on the Overview and Scrutiny Commission was awarded to the Liberal Democrats, and the Conservatives gained an additional place on the Sustainable Community Panel.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Thomas Barlow, on behalf of the Conservative Group, sought to maintain the Borough Plan Advisory Committee and keep the Planning Applications Committee's terms of reference unchanged. Councillor Barlow argued that the proposed changes were rushed and could move decision-making further away from residents. Councillor Daniel Holden seconded the amendment, stating that the Borough Plan Advisory Committee is best placed to focus on planning policy, and that its abolition would concentrate too much power in one councillor. Councillor James Williscroft also spoke against the abolition of the Borough Plan Advisory Committee, expressing concern about the reduction of individual discretion and the impression given to residents.

Councillor Aidan Mundy, as chair of the Planning Applications Committee, responded to the amendment, explaining that the combined committee would break down silos between decision and policy making and improve the quality of homes, commercial premises, and infrastructure. He stated that the updated clauses would clarify established practices and enhance transparency and accountability. He also pledged to continue a collaborative approach and to engage residents throughout the pre-application process. Councillor Susie Hicks raised concerns about the proposed changes to the referral process for planning applications, arguing that it would reduce the effectiveness of a valuable tool for residents and could lead to decisions being made based on time and efficiency rather than planning merit. Councillor Edward Foley recommended that the terms of reference be reviewed in full by the next annual council meeting to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.

Following the debate, the amendment was put to a vote and lost. The original report recommendations were then agreed.

Recruitment of the Monitoring Officer

The council agreed to the report concerning the recruitment of the Monitoring Officer. Councillor Ross Garrod thanked Louise Round for her service in her role as Monitoring Officer and MD of the legal partnership. Councillor Anthony Fairclough also passed on his group's thanks for her hard work.

Amendments to the Constitution

Councillor Billy Christie presented a report on minor constitutional amendments, which had been discussed and agreed at the Standards and General Purposes Committee. These included updating the Pensions Committee's terms of reference, reflecting the new council structure, removing references to CHAS following the sale of the business, clarifying inconsistencies between the pay policy and officer employment procedure rules, and delegating the recruitment process for the Monitoring Officer to the Appointments Committee. Councillor Eleanor Stringer seconded the report. Councillor John Oliver also reserved his right to speak. The amendments were then agreed.