The Council met to award the Freedom of the Borough to Marian James, a former councillor and dedicated public servant. This highest civic honour was bestowed upon her in recognition of her extensive contributions to social care and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of residents in Sutton.

Freedom of the Borough Award

The Council considered awarding the Freedom of the Borough to Marian James. This prestigious honour recognises individuals who have rendered eminent services to the borough. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, proposed the motion, highlighting Marian James's tireless work and refusal to compromise when advocating for residents. He noted her significant contributions as Chair of the People Committee, particularly her dedication to the borough's most vulnerable children and adults, and her particular focus on carers and young carers.

Several councillors and guests spoke in support of the award, sharing personal anecdotes and highlighting Marian James's impact. Councillor Sunita Gordon spoke of their twelve-year working relationship, emphasizing Marian James's deep commitment to public service, which she described as who she is. Gordon also recalled Marian James's founding of the Sutton Carers Centre and her subsequent role as CEO of the North West Carer Centre, building a reputation for compassion and determination. Upon her election as a councillor in 2014, Sutton gained someone with decades of experience, integrity, and a belief in dignity, opportunity, and support for all residents.

Councillor Rob Beck focused on Marian James's work in corporate parenting, defining it as the collective responsibility of the local authority to safeguard and promote the welfare of looked-after children and care leavers. He stated that Marian James championed this role at every opportunity, ensuring that care leavers were always considered the most important people in discussions. Councillor Paul Cole, who served as Vice Chair of the People Committee, shared an example of Marian James's commitment to Sutton's parenting programs, which are now nationally recognised. He recounted how she commissioned local artists to create unique framed pieces of art as gifts for parent group leaders and their mentoring officer, a gesture that empowered and encouraged them.

Councillor Colin Stears recalled Marian James's vision and dedication from the moment she was elected, highlighting her revitalisation of the social services committee and her deep focus on safeguarding. Ruth Dombey, former Councillor and former Leader of the Council, described the role of lead member for adult and children's services as one of the hardest, requiring commitment, compassion, and courage. She commended Marian James's ability to take tough decisions, listen to residents, and do what is right, noting her work behind the scenes with council officers and voluntary sector partners. Dombey also highlighted Marian James's success in making caring a protected characteristic in the borough.

Simon Breeze, Chief Executive of Community Action Sutton, spoke of Marian James embodying the best of the term public servant and her tireless advocacy for charities in the borough. Members of Parliament Bobby Dean and Luke Taylor also spoke, with Dean describing Marian James as being made of silk and steel, possessing both conviction and care. Taylor, who served as a colleague, noted that Marian James was hugely respected by councillors across the Chamber and that many groups unprompted spoke of the huge impact she had on their work. Both MPs emphasized her dedication to the most vulnerable residents and her commitment to the principles of corporate parenting.

Following the speeches, the Mayor, Councillor Muhammad Sadiq, called for a vote, which was carried unanimously. Nick Mattey and Elena accepted the certificate and flowers on behalf of Marian James, as she was unable to attend the meeting. They expressed deep sadness that she and her family could not be present to receive the award in person, stating that she should be able to understand if you haven't seen this one up and if you need it more than we can say. They thanked Marian James for her belief in people, her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the London Borough of Sutton.