The Council of Sutton Council met on Monday 13 July 2026 to award Marion James the Freedom of the Borough. This honour was unanimously approved by councillors in recognition of her extensive service to the borough, particularly her work in social care and her dedication to vulnerable residents.

Awarding the Freedom of the Borough to Marion James

The primary purpose of this extraordinary meeting was to consider and award the Freedom of the Borough to Marion James. This is the highest recognition the council can bestow upon an individual for rendering eminent service to Sutton. The motion to award this honour was proposed and seconded, and subsequently debated by several councillors and invited speakers.

Councillor Lewis proposed the motion, highlighting Marion James's tireless work and refusal to compromise when advocating for residents. He spoke of her support for him when he was first elected as a councillor in her Wellington North ward and her dedication as chair of Sutton's People Committee, particularly her commitment to carers and young carers.

Councillor Sunita Gordon spoke of her twelve-year working relationship with Marion James, describing her as someone for whom public service is not just a job but her identity. She detailed Marion James's significant contributions before becoming a councillor, including founding the Sutton Carer Centre and later becoming CEO of the North West Carer Centre. As a councillor elected in 2014, Marion James was recognised for her decades of experience, integrity, and belief in providing dignity, opportunity, and support to all residents. Her leadership as chair of the People Committee, overseeing children's services and adult social care, was praised for its compassion and effectiveness, with independent inspectors noting the strength of Sutton's services under her guidance.

Councillor Rob Beck focused on Marion James's significant role in corporate parenting, the collective responsibility of the local authority to safeguard and promote the welfare of looked-after children and care leavers. He emphasised that Marion James actively promoted this role to councillors and partners, and as chair of Sutton's Corporate Parent Forum, she ensured care leavers were central to discussions.

Councillor Paul Cohen, who served as vice-chair to Marion James on the People Committee, shared an example of her commitment through Sutton's nationally recognised parenting programmes. He recounted how Marion James encouraged officers and parent group leaders to showcase their work at a national conference, even commissioning local artists to create unique gifts for them.

Councillor Colin Steers recalled Marion James's vision and dedication from her first election twelve years prior, highlighting her revitalising influence on the social services committee and her deep commitment to safeguarding. He noted her pivotal role in merging adult and children's social care into the People Committee.

Former Councillor and Leader of the Council, Ruth Dombey, spoke of the demanding nature of being a lead member for adult and children's services, a role Marion James undertook with commitment, compassion, and courage. She acknowledged Marion James's work both publicly and behind the scenes, her support for council officers and voluntary sector partners, and her crucial role in advocating for carers, leading to caring being recognised as a protected characteristic in the borough.

Simon Breeze, Chief Executive of Community Action Sutton, spoke on behalf of the charity sector, stating that Marion James embodied the best of a public servant and worked tirelessly to support and advocate for charities in the borough.

Members of Parliament Bobby Dean and Luke Taylor also spoke in support of the award. Bobby Dean MP described Marion James as having silk and steel, possessing both conviction and care, and highlighted her private gestures of kindness and her dedication to the Corporate Parent Forum, ensuring vulnerable children had a voice. Luke Taylor MP noted Marion James's widespread respect among councillors and residents, her generosity with her time, and her unwavering fight for the most vulnerable. He particularly emphasised her role in educating new councillors and MPs on the importance of corporate parenting.

Following the speeches, the motion to award Marion James the Freedom of the Borough was put to a vote and carried unanimously. Nick and Elena from Nicoll's, representing Marion James, accepted a certificate and flowers on her behalf, with the official scroll to be presented to Marion James in due course. Mike, Marion James's husband, also spoke briefly, accepting the honour on her behalf and expressing gratitude for the recognition of her dedication to the London Borough of Sutton and its residents.