The Council Assembly met for its Annual and Mayor Making meeting, where Councillor Sabina Emmanuel was elected as the new Mayor of Southwark. The meeting also saw the election of Councillor Sarah King as Leader of the Council and the appointment of various committees and roles for the upcoming municipal year.

Election of the Mayor of Southwark

Councillor Sabina Emmanuel was elected as the Mayor of Southwark. Councillor Evelyn Akoto nominated Councillor Emmanuel, stating, Sabina Emmanuel is one of the best known, most beloved members of this Assembly. She is the beating heart of our Council. Councillor Emmanuel's background, including her arrival from St Lucia in 1968, was highlighted.

Election of Leader and Executive Functions

Councillor Sarah King was elected as the Leader of the Council for the 2026-27 municipal year. The Council Assembly noted the appointment of cabinet members, deputy cabinet members, and cabinet committees by the Leader, as well as the delegation of executive functions. This process establishes the council's leadership and decision-making structure for the year ahead.

Proportionality and Establishment of Committees

The Council Assembly agreed to the allocation of seats on various committees, panels, and related matters for the 2026-27 municipal year. This followed the local elections on 7 May 2026, which resulted in a shift in the political balance of the council. The Labour group now holds 29 seats (46.03%), the Green group 22 seats (34.92%), and the Liberal Democrats 12 seats (19.05%). The report detailed the composition of ordinary committees, other committees, and panels, ensuring proportionate representation for each political group. The Health and Wellbeing Board was also established as a committee of the council.

Nominations to London Councils Committees and Other Bodies

Nominations were considered and agreed for representatives to serve on London Councils committees, the Greater London Employment Forum, the London Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Common Investment Vehicle (CIV) Ltd, and London Councils Limited for the 2026-27 municipal year. Borough lead members were also nominated for various policy areas.

Appointment of Political Assistants/Officers

The Council Assembly agreed to establish the posts of political officers (assistants) to provide support to the political groups represented on the council. Following the local elections, the Labour Group (29 members), Green Group (22 members), and Liberal Democrat Group (12 members) all met the qualifying criteria of having at least 10% of the council's membership. These politically restricted roles will assist the groups until the annual council meeting after the May 2030 local elections.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report

The Council Assembly noted the scrutiny activity undertaken during the 2025-26 municipal year, as detailed in the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's annual report. The report highlighted the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its four scrutiny commissions: Education and Local Economy, Environment, Community Safety and Engagement, Health and Social Care, and Housing. Key areas of focus included housing quality and safety, education and SEND provision, health prevention and safeguarding, community safety, play spaces, and the council's overall performance and budget. The report also detailed scrutiny recommendations made to the cabinet and cabinet responses received.

Appointment of Interim Monitoring Officer

The Council Assembly was informed that the appointment of an interim Monitoring Officer would follow if a recommended candidate was put forward.

Approval of the Statement of Licensing Policy

The Council Assembly agreed to the publication of the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031. This policy outlines the council's approach to licensing matters for the next five years.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The annual pay policy statement for 2026-27 was agreed by the Council Assembly. This statement sets out the council's policies relating to the pay of its employees, including senior management remuneration.

Member Allowances Scheme 2026-2027

The Council Assembly approved the member allowances scheme for 2026-2027, taking into account the advice of the London Councils Independent Remuneration Panel. An amendment proposed by Councillor Graham Neale was debated and subsequently lost. The scheme details the allowances to be paid to councillors for their duties.

Calendar of Meetings 2026-27

The dates for Council Assembly meetings for the 2026-27 municipal year were agreed. This included the Mayor Making/Annual meeting, ordinary meetings, and the budget and council tax setting meeting. The date of the July meeting was moved from 8 July 2026 to 15 July 2026 to avoid a clash with the Local Government Association conference.

Special Urgency and Urgent Implementation Decisions - Annual Report 2026

The Council Assembly noted the schedule of special urgency and urgent implementation decisions taken in accordance with the access to information procedure rules.

Appointment of Independent Persons

The Council Assembly approved the appointment of two individuals as independent persons for a three-year term, following a recommendation from a closed report.

Motions

Several motions were debated and voted upon:

• Motion 1: Tackling antisocial behaviour on Southwark's estates: This motion was carried and will be referred as a recommendation to the cabinet. It welcomed the council's investment in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, including CCTV upgrades and community wardens, and expressed concern over Green Party proposals that could legalise drugs.
• Motion 2: Liberal Democrats will Fix Southwark: This motion was lost.
• Motion 3: Protecting the Freedom Pass for Older Londoners: This motion was carried and will be referred as a recommendation to the cabinet. It noted the importance of the Freedom Pass for older and disabled residents and expressed concern over any proposals that might diminish its scope or value.
• Motion 4: Southwark has no confidence in Sir Keir Starmer: This motion was lost.

Proportionality and Allocation of Seats on Committees March 2026

The Council Assembly noted the political balance of the council and agreed to changes in the allocation of seats on committees based on the proportionality rules. This report reflected the political composition following the May 2026 elections, which differed from the previous year.

Licensing Act 2003: Review of Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 to 2031

The Council Assembly agreed to the publication of the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031. This policy sets out the framework for the council's licensing functions under the Licensing Act 2003.

Freedoms of the Borough Nominations 2026

The Council Assembly considered and agreed nominations for the awards of Freedom of the Borough, as detailed in a closed report.