The Council of Waltham Forest Council held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 23 May 2024, where Councillor Sharon Waldron was elected as the new Mayor. The meeting also saw the unanimous approval of the appointment of committees and representatives for the upcoming municipal year, along with the programme of meetings and the scheme of delegation for officers.

Election of Mayor

Councillor Sharon Waldron was elected as the new Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest for the Municipal Year 2024/25. The Council unanimously passed a resolution expressing its sincere thanks to Councillor Roy Berg for his service as Mayor during the previous year. Councillor Berg reflected on his term, praising the support he received. Following her election, Councillor Waldron announced her mayoral theme of hope and empowerment and outlined her consort, spiritual guide, and youth mayors for the year. Her fundraising efforts will focus on supporting organisations that raise awareness and provide support for dementia.

Appointment of Committees and Other Council Bodies

The Council unanimously agreed to appoint standing committees for the municipal year 2024/25, determining the number of seats, and allocating them according to political balance rules. Councillors were appointed to these committees based on nominations from Group Whips, and chairs and vice-chairs were also appointed. The terms of reference for standing committees were agreed as set out in the Council's constitution. Members also noted the memberships of the Boards of Directors of the Local Authority Trading Companies. A scheme for supernumerary members to substitute for absent committee members was agreed, with specific provisions for the Health and Wellbeing Board and Scrutiny Committees. Amendments to the Council's Constitution were also agreed, including the inclusion of a vice-chair for the Corporate Parenting Board and the removal of references to the 'Scrutiny Chairs' Group'.

Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies/Organisations

The Council agreed to appoint representatives to serve on various outside bodies and organisations for 2024/25, based on nominations made by the Party Whips.

Programme of Meetings for 2024-25

The Council approved the Programme of Meetings for 2024/25. It was also agreed that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the party Whips, would be authorised to make any necessary subsequent changes to the programme due to membership clashes. A specific change was agreed to move the Conservative Group meeting on 21 April 2025 to 17 April 2025.

Scheme of Delegation

The Council agreed to delegate 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, as permitted by legislation. The Director of Governance and Law was delegated the authority to make and publish the necessary amendments to the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation to implement these decisions.

Leader's Report

Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, delivered a report that included condolences to the family and friends of Daniel Anjorin. She also reported on the membership of her Cabinet, the allocation of responsibilities to Cabinet Members, and the duties of the Deputy Leader. Councillor Williams made a statement on the Council's achievements, her priorities for the coming year, and an assessment of the general political situation. Councillor Emma Best, Leader of the Opposition, responded to the statement, and Councillor Williams exercised her right of reply.

Announcements from the Incoming Mayor and Chief Executive

The Council noted the Schedule of Motions to Council for the upcoming year, with dates set for Labour and Conservative group motions, and a special meeting for the Budget in February 2025.