Transcript
The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Council and Awards Ceremony Please be upstanding, ladies and gentlemen, to receive the worshipful the Mayor of Southwark, past mayors, free citizens, honorary aldermen and alderwomen, members of parliament, the chief executive of Southwark and the bishop of Southwark.
The
Amen.
Please be seated.
Pray silence for the Right Reverend Christopher Chesson, Bishop of Southwark.
Madam Mayor, friends, it is wonderful to welcome you to Southwark Cathedral here at the heart
of this borough community and to express my thanks and appreciation for the quality and
depth of the civic partnership which is led by the Mayor and our councillors.
The Dean is on pilgrimage, but in his message I just want to read two sentences about this
morning.
The people receiving awards today are a wonderful witness to the values that Southwark seeks
to uphold.
These values are urgently needed in our world at the moment and I am delighted that they
are being celebrated here.
We likewise thank those who serve as councillors and those who work at the council.
I would also like to personally add my deepest thanks to the wonderful, hard-working Mayor we
have had and a real source of inspiration she has been for so many of us.
The Mayor has a tradition of only having fantastic mayors and some of your past mayors are in evidence
before you.
Their role is very significant because a little bit like bishops, well I hope so, wherever the
mayor or the bishop goes is seen as a blessing for the whole community.
And in this world at this time, to think and to count our blessings rather than being entirely negative about things is really something where we can follow the example of our civic leaders.
So I wonder if we can express our thanks and appreciation to them now.
Thank you to the bishop for your lovely words introducing us today.
Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Deputy Lieutenant, Madam Mayor, past mayors, free citizens, honorary
aldermen and old women, the bishop, MPs and distinguished guests, members of his majesty's armed forces, ladies and gentlemen.
We are going to begin with the presentation of freedoms of the London Borough of Southwark.
The freedom of the borough is the highest award that the council can make.
Being granted rarely to any person or organisation who has, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the borough.
At a specially convened meeting held on the 19th of March, 2025, the council passed the resolution
to confer the title of honorary free person on the following individuals.
The worshipful, the mayor, Councillor Naima Ali, will present the awards.
The first award goes to Valerie Shawcross, CBE.
Valerie Shawcross represented Southwark for 16 years on the Greater London Assembly.
Valerie was elected as the GLA member for Southwark and Lambus in 2000.
Valerie's efforts over many years contributed directly to the improvement of local bus routes, transport hubs
and the introduction of the London Overground extension through Southwark.
Valerie has been a passionate and lifelong advocate for equality, fairness and social justice.
She's dedicated much of her career to campaigning for policies that tackle inequality in all its forms,
from income disparity to gender equality.
She's championed women's rights, LGBTQ plus rights and initiatives to ensure social mobility for disadvantaged groups,
leaving a mark on the political landscape of Southwark and London.
Her work will transform the lives of many and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants,
leaders and activists in Southwark and beyond.
Valerie is unable to be with us today, but we celebrate her dedication and devotion to the Borough of Southwark.
Barroness Caroline Pidgeon, MBE. Caroline's political career began in 1998 as a councillor in this borough.
In 2008, Caroline was elected to the London Assembly.
She became leader of the Liberal Democrats group in the London Assembly just two years later.
She would go on to hold this leadership position for 14 years.
During her time in the London Assembly, Caroline continued to stand up for the needs of residents.
Her dedication to the role resulted in her being appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire in 2013
for public and political service.
She's also been a long-standing supporter of social justice and is a patron of AIDS Memory UK.
After standing down from the London Assembly in 2024, following a career of 26 years of elected public service,
Caroline was nominated for a live peerage and was created Baroness Pidgeon of Newington in the London Borough of Southwark.
She will keep, as she has kept, the needs, hopes and aspirations of Southwark residents as her driving purpose.
She democratic sleep, she tells us.
congratulations.
her
St John's Ambulance London are the nation's leading first aid charity, providing first
aid and health and safety training courses, as well as providing first aid and volunteers
for events.
St John's Ambulance Service have their Southwark London HQ in Borough High Street, Southwark
and run their cadet force as well as many training courses at the site.
As of December 2019, there were over 8,000 cadets in England.
Cadets take part in a variety of activities that include providing first aid at community
events, learning leadership and training skills.
Every single St John's crew member is a volunteer, giving their time and expertise to the community
in an unwavering and professional manner.
St John's Ambulance Service are a worthy nomination for a Freedom of the Borough.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Aplausos.
Thank you.
Welcome, Yvonne, to the presentation of the Civic Awards for 2025.
Civic Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of remarkable individuals and organisations
who exhibit outstanding dedication and commitment to the local community.
The individuals we honour today have been nominated by members of their own communities
in recognition and appreciation of their commitment, care, hard work and unwavering determination to make a difference.
Awards are granted in the following categories.
The liberties of the metropolitan boroughs of Bermondsey, Camberwell and Southwark,
the Young Citizen of the Year, the Southwark Stands Together Awards and the Mayor's Discretionary Award.
I will now call the recipients forward in turn to collect their awards.
I call upon the Mayor, Worshipful and Mayor Councillor, Naima Ali, to present the following awards.
Nora Higgins.
Nora is the driving force behind the Southwark Irish Pensioners Project,
which provides outreach and befriending for hundreds of older Irish residents in Southwark,
and she helps to plan and organise the popular St Patrick's Day celebrations at annual Christmas party.
Her commitment and passion for supporting the older Irish community across Southwark drives everything that she does.
Nora is a formidable fundraiser and has abseiled down the Guy's Tower
and parachuted out of an aeroplane to raise funds to support the charity.
Nora Higgins is a worthy recipient of the honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey.
Rather high community kitchens, shining light for you.
Vimal Pandeya, the founder of this amazing organisation, has arranged food banks and cooked food for literally hundreds of local residents.
He does this on a weekly basis, coordinating with providers, contacting local organisations and tenant associations
to develop a fantastic network of volunteers.
Without his enthusiasm, this would never have happened.
It offers more than just food.
It provides a safe space, welcoming space, where individuals can connect, combat social isolation and access further support.
Robberhide Community Kitchen stands as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when people come together to make a difference.
It truly deserves to be recognised and celebrated for its outstanding contributions to Southwark.
Vimal Pandeya is a worthy recipient of the honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey.
Vimal Pandeya is a small charity dedicated to protecting and increasing the tree canopy in Bermondsey and the north of Southwark.
They've built on the incredible legacy of Ada Salter around greening this area, which has historically lacked trees and green spaces.
Their work is grounded in knowledge, and they've made sure to plant the right kind of trees and hedgerows for the area.
Their work has transformed spaces in Bermondsey and has been vital in fighting the climate emergency.
Trees for Bermondsey is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey.
Thank you, Madam Mayor, for presenting those awards.
Thank you, Madam Mayor, for presenting those awards.
I call upon past Mayor, Councillor Michael Shitu to present the following awards.
Elizabeth Errington.
Liz has been active within the Southwark Homeowner representative structure for over 20 years as an elected delegate and vice chair to the Homeowner Council
and has served as the chair of the Homeowner Conference Organising Committee for several years, during which time this has grown to be the largest homeowner conference in the UK, bringing praise and kudos to Southwark.
Liz has faced adversity over the last few years, yet has maintained her efforts effectively and admirably.
Elizabeth Errington is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell.
The Royal British Legion, East Dilich Branch.
The Royal British Legion, East Dilich, celebrated its centric scenery in 2021,
making it one of the oldest branches in the country.
It does amazing work to support veterans in the East Dilich area and to honour their sacrifice with its annual D-Day and Remembrance Sunday services.
It is an important social hub for the local community, including families, older people and veterans, and the branch is very inclusive and welcoming.
The branch is run by volunteers, including Paula Neal and her husband, John.
It's a highly valued community asset that is cherished by the residents of East Dilich.
The branch is highly deserving of a civic award.
The Royal British Legion, East Dilich Branch, is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell.
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Christine Tan. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Christine served this community as a nurse
in the NHS in a career that spanned over 40 years. Training in St Albans City Hospital,
then moving on to paediatrics at Evelina Children's Hospital, and eventually into
Widmithery in Lambeth Hospital and at St Thomas'. Having dedicated her life to caring for others,
Christine continues to display her dedication and empathy in her efforts as a homeowner volunteer.
Christine Tan is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell.
Lynn Vong. Lynn set up Ignite Hubs to help children and young people access high quality
learning outside of school. Starting as a small after school coding club for eight children in
Peckham Library, Ignite Hub has grown into a registered education charity dedicated to
inspiring the next generation of digital wizards and creative thinkers. Lynn has created several
impactful initiatives to inspire children aged 9 to 12 to explore careers in STEM. Their third book,
focused on cyber security, will be published later this year. She's created life-changing
opportunities for children and young people within Southwark. Lynn Vong is a worthy recipient
of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell.
Thank you Pass Mayor Councillor Situ for presenting those awards. I now call upon Pass Mayor Councillor Sunil
Chopra to present the following awards.
Borough Food Cooperative. Borough Food Cooperative has provided a welcoming space for residents from
local areas and across the borough and even wider field to access affordable groceries, a warm and
welcoming place to meet pop-up food bank collection and a citizen advice drop-in service as well as
signposting for extra help. It's been a sanctuary and vital assets to the local communities where no
one who needs food is turned away. Resident and volunteers have seen and experienced firsthand its
impact and importance to the many thousands who have been able to benefit from shopping and volunteering
there over the past four and a half years. Borough Food Cooperative is a worthy recipient of an honorary
liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Southwark.
Thomas Hood. Tom is calm and consistent at dealing with highly challenging issues. In his role as part
of the network leadership team for St John's Ambulance, he supports and ensures the success of local
volunteers. At events across Southwark, Tom is an organised and positive figure. He embodies the very
best of leadership. Beyond this leadership at local events, he has responded to critically unwell patients
across Southwark, often being the first on the scene. Tom embodies the very best of what St John's Ambulance
offers. Tom Hood is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Southwark.
Neurodiversity Family Hub. The Neurodiversity Family Hub was founded in SE1 by two mothers,
Sonea and Maureen, who shared lived experience of raising autistic children. The hub offers a space
for young people who may be misunderstood or marginalised due to their unique traits. Crucially,
it also provides resources to equip parents and carers with the knowledge and tools to better
understand and support their children. The hub's work promotes a culture of respect and understanding
in Southwark and beyond. Its founders' passion and dedication, combined with the hub's transformative
work, have created a vital community space that embodies the spirit of civic pride and service.
The Neurodiversity Family Hub is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough
of Southwark. Mackenzie Scott. Mackenzie joined St John's as a Cadet in Harrow in 2016, and now plays a significant role as network youth leader
of Southwark. Mackenzie Scott. Mackenzie joined St John's as a Cadet in Harrow in 2016, and now plays a significant role as network youth leader in New York City,
as network youth lead. He's remarkably calm under pressure and has excellent clinical skills.
He's demonstrated for a long time a rare calmness and skill that is a reassuring presence in any
emergency. He's positive, enthusiastic and reliable and he attends events in Sulac and across the
capital to support attendees and ensure that they have medical care on hand when necessary.
He's highly engaging and enthusiastic and a wonderful role model to our young people.
He's made an enormous impact and it is clear that he has many bright things to come.
Mackenzie Scott is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Sulac.
Louie Wickett Padgett. Louie is a founder and coach of Sulac Stars Football Club, which is open to anyone who's over 18 with a learning disability.
There was nothing around prior in Sulac and particularly not for women. The current team has over 100 players with three men's teams and a women's team and is run every week by a small group of volunteers.
He organizes training and matching, goes out of his way to get sponsors and works with the FA to ensure that all volunteer coaches are trained.
The players love it and see it as a community and the women's team have even begun playing non-disability grassroots football clubs. He's a true star and should be commended for everything that he does.
Louie Padgett is a worthy recipient of an honorary liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Sulac.
Thank you, past mayor, councillor Chopra for presenting those awards.
I now call upon past mayor councillor Barry Hargrove to present the Sulac Stands Together Awards.
Andy Dolan. Andy plays for Millwall Romans FC and gives up his time willingly and voluntarily to attend schools, colleges and other bodies to talk on equality and diversity issues and his personal experience.
His work and his bravery in confronting prejudice and homophobia is worthy of recognition.
His mission is to break down barriers and promote inclusivity within football and in the local community.
Players from the Romans deliver focus workshops to local schools and colleges centred around LGBTQ plus issues.
This community involvement has provided positive feedback from schools, colleges and individuals.
Andy Dolan is a worthy recipient of the Sulac Stands Together Award.
Millwall Community Trust. Millwall Community Trust and Fisher FC are partners in the operation of the St. Paul's Sports Ground in Rotherhithe.
The programs that currently take place at St. Paul's include holiday football camps, including a free hot meal, the kicks program, girls football and walking football for older people.
They also host a food bank benefiting 120 families weekly, a military veterans program offering sports and social events for veterans and Millwall Romans LGBTQI plus group.
The benefit and impact on Sulac residents of all ages cannot be underestimated.
The Millwall Community Trust is a worthy recipient for the Sulac Stands Together Award.
Thank you.
We now come to the Young Citizen of the Year Award.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award recognises the exceptional community spirit, generosity or civic mindedness of a young person under the age of 25.
Similar to the Liberty Awards, the young person is being honoured today has made an exceptional contribution to civic and community life.
The awards this year go to Mayo Otifali.
Mayo is an amazing young man.
Off his own bat, he began organising and coaching football teams made up of other boys from the Rockingham Estate.
Today, there are three teams for different age groups and they all regularly win tournaments.
He's developed a successful partnership with active community networks who run youth activities on the estate.
He's clearly a talented football coach and mentor for these younger boys
and his initiative is one of the reasons that Rockingham youth have kept away from gangs.
This nomination is supported by Rockingham TRA and by many other neighbours on the Rockingham Estates.
Mayo is a worthy recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Thank you.
Raidad Udin. Raidad began a sustainable clothing initiative which provided warmth and quality
materials to those less fortunate while also empowering young people through community
repair workshops that he held within local businesses. He started a books for all scheme,
he hosted local storytelling and book reading sessions which created welcoming spaces where
children developed a love for reading. Beyond this Raidad's Paid It Forward clothing initiative
ensures that those who receive support are encouraged to give back. His work mentoring
young people through creative projects has given them the confidence to see themselves as change
makers. His initiatives have already made a tangible difference in Southwark, creating lasting
community-driven impact and change. Raidad's dedication to sustainability, education and civic engagement
deserves to be recognised. Raidad is a worthy recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Thank you, past mayor. And finally, the most prestigious award, the Mayor's Discretionary Award. This
discretionary award allows Southwark's first citizen, Councillor Naima Ali, to exercise her personal
judgment as to which individual, business, project or organisation has made a contribution to community
life that is truly outstanding. This year, the award goes to Barry Knight. Madam Mayor will now tell us
about her choice.
Good morning, everyone. What a beautiful morning. Every once in a while, you meet someone whose work is so pure,
so powerful, so selfless, and it stops you in your tracks. Barry Knight, you are one of those people.
For over 30 years, Barry has been quietly transforming lives across Hallward and Southwark. He raised thousands and
thousands of pounds to support children, families, and our outmost vulnerable. And he's done it without ever asking
for recognition. In fact, Barry never wanted the spotlight. He spent decades lifting others while his own name
And what I saw and heard that day touched my soul. I saw love in action. I saw a man giving everything he had to
to make life better for others. But I knew that people need to know that people like Barry exist.
Barry was born here in Southwark to a proud Windrush mother from St. Keith and Navy. His deep roots, his roots are deep and so is his commitment.
Inspired by his brother Billy, an Olympic and Commonwealth champion, Barry turned his passion into purpose.
He helped young people escape gang lives, mentored them into music industry, bought shoes for kids who needed dignity, but not judgment.
During the pandemic, when schools closed, the cupboards were empty. Barry raised thousands to the Barry Knight Inn and helped deliver 65,000 food parcels.
Not statistics, but lived saved with life, with love.
And now, through the Knight Foundation and the new community hub in the very youth club that helped shape him, Barry is building a legacy that will echo for generations.
Tutoring children, supporting elders, bringing people together. Barry, you are what this Barry is about.
You are humble power, silent strength, relentless kindness. You are a living reminder that real heroes don't wear hearts, they wear compassion.
You never asked to be seen, but today we see you and we honor you. You are here. You change lives and you are better and we are better.
Because of you. Thank you Barry Knight.
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Thank you.
Thank you.
This now concludes the Civic Awards for 2025.
Huge congratulations to all of those who have been honoured here today.
We are filled with admiration by your unfaltering dedication, commitment and passion, you inspire
others with your determination to bring stronger, cohesive and more stable environments.
Your ability to bind us together and the foundations you create are helping construct a solid and
stable Southwark, London's most historic borough.
We remain united to serve.
Congratulations once again to everyone here today.
That concludes our awards.
Please do remain seated whilst the Civic Party leave the stage.
We'll be having a short pause before we begin the council assembly and mayor making.
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Please can everybody take their seats. We are ready to start for council assembly and mayor making. Please do take your seats. I promise we can take some photos at the end.
Please take your seats. We are ready to begin council assembly and mayor making. Thank you.
Please take your seats. We are ready to begin. Thank you, everybody. The annual meeting of council assembly will now begin. Please be upstanding to receive the mayor.
Thank you.
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Please be seated.
I'd like to welcome Madam Mayor.
Good morning again.
May I welcome you all to the Mayor-making and annual meeting of Southern Council.
I understand that each of the party group leaders wish to make a statement.
I call Councillor Kieran Williams to speak.
Thank you Madam Mayor.
I'd like to first congratulate everyone who's won an award this morning.
I am always struck this is the fifth year that I've had the opportunity to stand here
as leader of the council and I'm always struck by the amazing work that people are doing
across our community.
The contribution that you're making is frankly incredible so my personal thanks for everything
you've done and thank you from the whole of the Labour group as well.
It is my honour to be standing here today to thank Madam Mayor for everything you have done
in your year as Mayor.
Naima represents the very best of Southwark and I know speaking for everyone in this room
when I say we are in awe of all you've achieved in this year.
And after taking on this role it took merely a few weeks before Naima gained a reputation
as the dancing mayor as I'm sure many of you will have seen in the amazing videos.
Whether it's hosting celebrations, attending ceremonies or raising awareness for charities,
you danced your way through the year with residents spreading joy to the communities everywhere
you went.
But Naima wasn't just the dancing mayor, I think you've probably seen this morning, she
was also the hugging mayor, reflecting your incredible warmth and compassion and the force of nature
that you are.
And Naima went the distance too, bringing friends and colleagues and residents to walk the distance
from London to Nairobi, raising thousands of pounds for ActionAid and their and your mission
to tackle female genital mutilation.
And as a survivor and ambassador, your dedication to raising awareness, supporting survivors of FGM
FGM and driving change locally and globally is an inspiration to us all.
You also made this year a year when we opened the town hall doors, hosting our first mayor's
events for FGM, Iftar, menopause awareness, prostrate cancer, Islamophobia awareness, to name
but a few.
And your All Shades of Menopause event was an example of your continued dedication to using
your platform to give women a voice.
In addition, you unveiled the borough's 100,000th tree, welcomed the delegation from Nigeria,
laid reefs for Armistice Day and Holocaust Memorial Day and much, much more.
In fact, over the last year, I hear you hosted and attended over 400 events, meeting over 50,000
people, an amazing achievement.
And to all the ceremonies and civic events you hosted, you brought enthusiasm, joy and
a clear love of Southwark, your home, to which from everyone in this room, from our whole borough,
for everything you have done in this year and your time as mayor.
I hope you enjoy the rest, as you step back and spend some time, and I'm sure you will
spend it dancing with your family too.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Your personal story has inspired us all.
And you've used that journey to drive real change as our mayor.
Your work on FGM, on menopause, on women's health has made us proud to call you our mayor.
I was humbled to attend the FGM conference that you attended.
It's vital that we all continue to speak out on FGM, to work for its eradication and to encourage
male allies to stand up.
Your virtual walk to Nairobi and that your partnership with ActionAid will have a lasting legacy here
in Southwark, but also around the world.
You've led over 400 civic events.
You've reached nearly 55,000 residents.
I know what an amazing impact that has when you go to community events.
I think you were one of the first was in Borough, my 80th commemoration of VE Day.
So thank you for all that you've done in that civic leadership.
And we won't forget your firm, but very fair chairing of council meetings, especially when
it comes to timekeeping and comfort breaks.
Five minutes, no more.
You also presided over Southwark's first extraordinary meeting in 18 years, with real dignity and
grace.
There have been moments of genuine cross-party working this year, backing the Migrant Democracy
Project, standing up for renters, and finally unlocking long-delayed developer contributions.
But big challenges remain in Southwark, including making that community infrastructure levy fairer
and more transparent, and in securing homes that Southwark residents can genuinely afford.
I speak today not just as the leader of the opposition, but as the Liberal Democrat leader.
The only party in Southwark that has consistently, that Southwark residents have consistently chosen
to support and to lend their trust in over the last seven years to hold Labour to account.
The extraordinary council meeting that we called followed the damning findings from the regulator
of social housing.
Failings that remain unsolved.
50% of council homes lack a working smoke alarm.
There are 2,000 overdue fire safety actions, and we have a record number of housing complaints
in Southwark.
Residents deserve answers, and they also deserve accountability.
That is what we have done to push for that change all year, and we will continue to do.
We will not stop, even when we are literally told to shut up in meetings.
Madam Mayor, today is my birthday, but more importantly – thank you – but more importantly, today is
the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Three years ago, when I stood at this spot in my first speech as the Leader of the Opposition,
I called for the council to declare our support for trans rights.
Today, many trans people are feeling scared and under attack, never more so than since
the Supreme Court judgment and the Labour government's response.
That is why I brought a motion that thankfully was passed unanimously by this council, committing
Southwark to support our trans, non-binary and gender diverse neighbours, and to deliver
an LGBTQ action plan.
The plan we are still awaiting, but the need has never been more urgent, and it is vital
that we as a council live up to those words that we stood for.
That we reject division and that we stand united.
Trans rights are human rights.
This week, we also challenged Southwark's MPs and council leader to condemn the Prime Minister's
shameful comments on migration.
Calling our communities an island of strangers is not just wrong, it is dangerous.
In Southwark, diversity is our strength, as we have celebrated this morning.
But we will not stay silent when others seek to divide us, and Southwark must be leading
that charge.
As Southwark's only elected opposition, we will keep holding the Labour administration
to account here in Southwark, but also now the London Labour government and the national
Labour government.
On damaging cuts to housing, calling for affordable housing, or the right for everyone in our borough
to feel safe and respected, we will speak up when others are noticeably silent.
On behalf of colleagues, I would like to congratulate everyone that was honoured today, not least
our own Caroline Pidgeon.
Thank you, Naima, for being an inspiring, a compassionate and a courageous First Citizen,
and it has been an honour to call you our Mayor.
You have set a very high bar.
We wish you very well with your next chapter, and Councillor Lamb, we wish you every success
in your mayoral year.
Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Chamberlain.
You know, this morning, because it's my last day, I forgot to apply my 30-second rule.
But anyway, thank you so much.
We shall now consider the election of the Mayor 2025-2026.
In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, the first item of the
Business for Annual Meeting is to elect Southwark's Mayor for 2025-2026.
I have received notice of one nomination for the Office of the Mayor for the new Municipal
Year.
Councillor Ciaran-William to propose.
Thank you again, Madam Mayor.
It is my honour to nominate Councillor Sonny Lamb to be the Mayor and First Citizen of Southwark.
And as you're probably going to hear quite a lot over the course of the year, what better
today to do it than on a gloriously sunny day like today.
You really are going to hear a lot, I tell you.
Sonny has been a decades-long champion for people of our borough.
And Sonny, you're someone that I am proud to have called a friend for well over a decade
now.
Born in Nigeria, Sonny has lived in Southwark since 1986, and he and I were elected together
to the Council in 2014.
Throughout that time, he's been a passionate champion for our community, and all who know
Sonny will know his love of Southwark is clear.
That dedication long proceeded in becoming a counsellor.
In 2001, following one of the darkest moments in our borough's history, the heartbreaking
death of Damiola Taylor, Sonny stepped up to help create hope.
Bringing our community together to set up Peckham Supplementary School, supporting young
people with their English, maths, black history, drama, and engaging them in positive activities.
His community work is focused on promoting and celebrating diversity in Southwark and beyond,
serving as chairman of the Southwark Black History Organisation amongst many other roles.
His dedication led Sonny to being awarded the Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of
Camberwell, not just once, but twice, in 2006 and 12.
Sonny speaks up for others.
As a school governor with Tenants and Residents Associations, his work as a trade unionist
fighting for posties.
He has already contributed so much to our community, and I know he's not done.
And being nominated to this role will put a whole new boost of energy into that work.
I'm sure many of us could say to Sonny, take some advice on how to use your role as mayor
over the year ahead, and there are many past mayors in this room.
But I know Sonny has a plan, and woe betides anyone who tells him he doesn't.
Sonny brings positivity and energy wherever he goes.
Having spent hundreds of hours personally with you, Sonny, on the doorstep talking to residents,
I know every conversation brings a smile and hope.
And in his own words, Sonny wants to devote the rest of his life to defending fairness and social justice,
using the deep-rooted connections with the community that he has to bring about that change.
Sonny, I know you will use this role to do just that.
So I am deeply proud to nominate you to be mayor and first citizen of our borough.
Thank you, Councillor Hilion.
Councillor Cassandra Brown to take on the nomination.
Hello.
I'm very proud today to be seconding Sonny's nomination for the role of mayor of Southwark.
Now, I've probably known Sonny for less time than most of his council colleagues,
but that is more than enough to know what a special person he is.
To start, I want to mention something they call nominative determinism.
When someone's name matches their personality or destiny.
And that's absolutely true of Sonny.
Sonny by name, Sonny by nature.
Sonny brings light, warmth and positivity to everything he does.
And I have no doubt that he'll bring that and more to the role of mayor.
Sonny and I served together in South Bermondsey Ward,
which, if you don't know, has its own microclimate, thanks to Sonny.
And one of my earliest memories of him proves it.
We'd just finished a round of door knocking after a grey morning and the clouds began to part
and the sunshine beamed over the blue market in Bermondsey.
Ever the Brit, I commented, saying how wonderful it was that the sun was coming out just as my day was really about to start.
Without missing a beat, Sonny turned to me and said,
Sonny always makes it sunny.
If you've ever spent more than 30 seconds with Sonny, you've probably heard that line before.
But let me tell you, he delivers.
Sonny radiates optimism.
He sees the best in people.
He shows up.
He gets back up when he's knocked down.
And he serves everyone in the community with dedication.
I've seen that firsthand in South Bermondsey.
Sonny goes above and beyond to support residents' associations,
to champion local initiatives and to help any resident who needs support.
Sonny is well-liked by his constituents and it's easy to see why.
As deputy mayor, he's already presenting Southwark with energy and his trademark Sonny charm.
And now even more people across Southwark will get to benefit from his enthusiasm and support.
But behind Sonny's humour and warmth is a lifetime of service.
He's spent decades organising trade unions, mentoring young people
and founding the Labour Party's black labour movement.
Sonny's impact is long-standing that he will use his time as mayor in exactly the same way.
To Sonny's wife and family who are here with us today, you must be very proud.
Thank you for sharing him with Southwark Labour for 11 years.
I'm honoured to nominate my ward colleague, Councillor Sonny Lamb, as Southwark's mayor.
And today, Southwark isn't just gaining a mayor, we're gaining a little more sunshine too.
Thank you, Councillor Bryan.
Are there any other further nominations?
I will now move to the vote.
Only councillors should vote please.
Those in favour of Councillor Sonny Lamb,
Congratulations Councillor Lamb.
Councillor Assembly has resolved that Councillor Sonny Lamb be the mayor of the 18th year.
Councillor Lamb, do you assent to the resolution?
I now declare that Councillor Sonny Lamb is duly elected mayor of Southwark for the 18th year.
Congratulations to you again.
The mayoral party will now leave the days to robe.
Please be upselling.
Please stand for the return of the mayoral party.
Please be seated.
I now ask the mayor-elect to sign the declaration of acceptance of office, countersigned by the council's monitoring officer.
The retiring mayor will now invest the newly elected mayor with the chain of office.
I invite the retiring mayor to be presented with a replica of the mayoral badge.
I invite the retiring mayor's consort to be presented with a replica of the consort's badge and a thank you gift.
I invite the retiring mayor's consort to be presented with a replica of the consort's badge and a thank you gift.
I invite the retiring mayor's consort to be presented with a replica of the consort's badge and a thank you gift.
I invite the mayor.
I thought she was still in charge.
I thought she was still in charge.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I thought she was still in charge.
I'm accompanied by my wife as my mayoress.
And I invite her to the days.
I'm sorry.
I'll start from the end.
Thank you very much.
This is very important, but let's start from there.
Ok.
Ok, so I take her.
I thought she was still in charge.
Sorry.
I'm accompanied by my wife as my mayoress, and I invite her to the days.
Jane Galiland.
Jane Galiland.
Jane Galiland.
Okay.
Don't worry, I'm learning.
This wasn't the script.
I'll hereby appoint Councilor Sabina Immanuel as Deputy Mayor for the assuming year,
and for her to be invested with the Deputy Mayor's badge.
I now invite the Italian mayor to make our outgoing speech.
Councilor Maymali.
Representative Left, Deputy Lieutenant, Deputy Lieutenant, Mr. Mayor, Past Mayor, Three Citizens, Ronadi, Elder Men and Elder Women,
the Right Reverend Bishop of Southwark, CEO of Southwark, the MPs, CEO of Southwark, community leaders, members of the armed forces,
councillors, brothers and sisters, assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
That means peace and blessings be upon you all.
Believe me, I did write my speech this morning at four o'clock.
I hope it will sound good.
Today, I step down as the mayor of Southwark.
And as I stand here, it is hard to describe what I feel.
It is not sadness.
It is not even pride.
It is something deeper, a quiet joy, a fierce gratitude, and the unshakable knowledge that we did something powerful together.
When I became the mayor, when I became the mayor of Southwark, I said, I will serve with my heart, my hand, and my voice.
And I said, I will lead with love.
And I meant it, not just as a ceremony, but as a commitment.
And if I may say so, I honoured that promise with every fibre of who I am.
In just one year, as the leader said, and the leader of the opposition,
I attended over 400 events, welcomed over 500 guests into my office at Tule Street,
and visited over 25 churches, and that made me the most church-goer, I think.
I believe you can give me that.
I've attended mosques, temples, and synagogues.
I've spoken in schools, danced at care homes, opened food banks, celebrated with our local businesses,
and hugged thousands of our residents.
Yes, they call me the dancing mayor, the hugging mayor, and the smiling mayor.
And I'll take every one of those titles, because joy is a form of leadership.
Connection is a form of leadership.
And love, a real life, love for your people is a leadership, as it's honest, as most honest.
But behind the smiles, I have also brought serious work to the table.
I stood before you as a survivor of FGM.
I refused to be silenced, not for myself, but for 230 million girls who carry the same skull,
and for 4.3 million girls out there who are at risk.
It is 21st century.
Girls are still being cut.
Where is our humanity?
And I could not be quiet.
I refused to be silenced.
Together, we hosted the biggest FGM conference.
We opened space, built community.
We opened space, built community, turned pain into purpose.
I traveled to Vienna, Austria, with my colleagues.
Thank you for those who came along with me.
And later, I traveled to Nairobi for holiday, not work.
Meeting survivors and campaigners who reminded me, this role was never about a title.
It was a platform, and I used it.
Because while the chain comes off today, my mission continues.
Title may change, but my passion for protecting, uplifting, and empowering women will never change.
Thank you to Sister Buki for support.
We launched a women's health series, and I promise you, we are just getting started.
We are connecting women globally, breaking taboos, building sisterhoods.
SADAC has become a barra that lives in women's voices, and the legacy still grows.
Thank you to the leader and everyone who is involved.
Of course, I have also learned a lot.
Sometimes, I'll come home from an event, five, six, or even seven a day, sneaking in like a teenager, trying not to work the house.
After hundreds of speeches, let me be honest, I have earned the right to call myself a motivational speaker.
And, but, what I truly learned is this.
A smile and a thank you can open more doors than any policy.
The joy coexists with struggle.
That leadership doesn't have to be loud to be powerful.
But, when we do speak, make it count.
And, that we are only stronger together, as we have more in common than that divides us.
And, yes, I'm looking forward to finally being a mother again.
To cooking, maybe.
Going out, not so sure about fun, though.
Going every event, sometimes.
Enjoying time with my children, 100%.
Though, between us, I don't think I will build, I'm built to stay in my house 24-7.
To my beautiful daughter, Kaffir, thank you.
You weren't just a mares.
You are a poet.
You are my light.
You made women's health events memorable.
And, of course, even my mares ball.
You helped me lead.
Thank you.
Thank you.
To my son.
To my sons.
Your patience.
Your laughter.
Your belief.
You believe in me.
Kept me going on to the hardest day.
To my firstborn, especially, Ahmed.
Thank you for your quiet strength.
And for always stepping in when I needed support at home.
Mainly childcare.
That was the toughest.
To the incredible residents of Southwark.
Thank you for every hug.
Every smile.
Every smile.
Every smile.
And every moment.
You gave me more than memories.
You gave me a meaning.
To Council Avila Nakoto.
Thank you for your relentless support in the fight of FGM and in the championing of women's health.
And thank you to all of you who attended the events that once I've hosted mainly.
Jackie.
I think you're hiding there.
Jackie.
She's been my rock.
Your care and consistency behind the scene kept me going.
Where is Stephen Douglas?
He might not be the one speaking.
But every time I miss Stephen Douglas.
Madam Mayor.
Whenever I see you.
You're growing.
You're glowing.
That's what he always tells me.
Courage me through many days.
To grant Virginia.
The entire constitutional team.
By the way, we've got two Virginia including all.
Chidi Doreen.
Thank you.
You made me feel capable of every time I chaired assembly.
Yes.
And you can agree with me that my 30-second rule was real and it worked.
Right?
To Simon.
Thank you for your support and presence.
And always smiling whenever you see me.
Sunny Lambe.
My Deputy Mayor.
Thank you.
You are a friend.
A support.
And a leader in your own right.
I honestly can't wait to see what you do next.
I'm sure you'll be the best.
To Charlie Smith.
Thank you for stepping when I'm needed.
Counselors.
Officers.
Volunteers.
And what makes me sad.
And you can just clearly say how much I'm saying thank you.
That means a lot to many.
To Neil Coyle.
My MP.
BOS.
I am here because you are the one who pushed me to be here.
Thank you for believing in me.
I bet I've made you proud.
I leave this office knowing I gave everything.
I bridged communities.
I brought people together.
And I showed with laughter, with truth, with joy that leadership can look like us.
So, as I take my final bow, I leave you with this.
I stepped into this year with scars, but no fear.
I turned pain into purpose, silence into movement, and title into a testimony.
This isn't the end.
The dancing, the hugging, the growing continues.
Thank you, Sadak, and thank you all.
Thank you to the retiring mayor for her powerful words and her work over the last year.
I think the standing ovation says everything.
We're trying this for the second time.
I'd like to invite the new mayor to make his incoming speech.
Council, Lord Bishop, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It's a great privilege to be standing here today to hear those lovely words,
words from my leader, Councilor Kieran Williams, and my council colleague, Cassandra Brown,
seconded me.
It is so real to me, to be honest with you.
I never thought I would become a politician, but I've always believed my motto is God, family, and community.
That's what you see in everything I do, because family means a lot to me, especially when you, you know, you grow up from a family of wealth.
You know, you know, some people have moms and dads together, so I'm one of the people that never had the opportunity.
So,
standing here today, I think, I believe it gives hope to everyone like me.
So, sorry, what you see is what you get.
I'm very passionate about what I do.
I put my soul and heart into everything.
You can see it's coming out from here.
I don't know how to pretend to be what I'm not, so that's really me.
So, I believe in that sense of community, which was instilled in me.
Through my Yoruba, Omolua, I'll be values, because it's the foundation of what you see today.
We were told to be good people of integrity, care about others, right from the young age.
So, coming to the UK, to be honest with you, I never wanted to come to the UK.
It was a friend of mine who suggested our show.
We haven't been anywhere else, that's why I brought my passport, the first one I've ever had.
That was 1986, when Naira and Pansali was about 50, you know, 50, 50, 50, a pan, okay, a pan, you get 50p,
yeah, 50p, and you get one pan, which is Nigerian pan that time, or Nigerian Naira.
You can see how long ago, but go and check how was the exchange rate with the Naira and the Pansali Naira.
But this is why I'm saying this, everyone has a story.
You've heard about Councilor Ali, our journey, war make us think.
And that is my story.
I could have been one of those studies as well.
And it's not surprising that I find myself in Peckham.
When I saw Peckham in 1986, I saw a very depressed environment.
But the value, your above value I grew up with, is not about you whinging and complaining.
What can I, what can I do?
Do I have a solution?
So, I had a dream.
There are two dreams.
I could have had a dream of going to the U.S., as most of us often do,
because as a British citizen, or may I say because I was born in the 50s.
Did you believe that?
The first place you want to go is either you come to the U.K. or you go to the U.S.,
because of the American dream.
So, this is my British dream.
And I'm so grateful for the privilege of becoming the first citizen of a great borough.
So, if I'm going to sing a song, I'll probably sing Goodness of God by C.C. Williams,
because it's through the goodness of God that I'm here today.
Of course, I'm going to sing another one.
I will say I do it my way.
As you know, I had the opportunity to become deputy of mayor over the past few years.
But I've always believed God's time is the best as a Christian.
Forgive me if I'm banging on that.
So, what an amazing grace to be standing here at the first sitting of our great borough.
And what an example to other countries.
You come as a visitor, as a refugee, whatever you come.
I came as a visitor.
I became a student.
Or I transitioned into a British citizen.
Look at me now.
Which means you can be anything.
But at the same time, that privilege also comes with responsibility as well.
And that's part of the Yoruba value I grew up with.
So, it's an amazing grace to be here this afternoon.
So, I have many success stories to share with you, as you've had.
But I'm not going to bore you with too many of them.
You had the proudest moment of my life when I got the liberty of the old Metro Flamborough of Kambawa.
13th of May, 2006.
For my service in the community.
That came number one to me.
You can imagine you go to a country.
You're wearing band there.
But you, through your efforts and sense of belonging, and then you gather, you get that reward.
What does that make you feel?
I don't know.
It makes me feel great.
It makes me feel appreciated.
And that's why I want to do more.
So, I'm really, really proud to be standing here today.
Thanks.
Your mayor.
But there are a few people I want to thank.
Because I came first time, as I said, in 1986.
But there's somebody who opened their door to you.
Before you find your way.
Either you sleep on their couch.
Or you...
Whatever.
But they allow you in.
And I spent my first few months at a brother called Landry and his family.
They took me in.
Hickham Park Road.
Millbrook House.
That was my first house.
So, thank you if you are in the crowd.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Because without you allowing me, that wouldn't have been possible.
So, thank you.
And, of course, I got my beautiful, supportive wife as well.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
You know, when you go out, especially we as, you know, counselors or public servants,
you know, it's very challenging.
You go out, hard hours and so on.
And without understanding, shared understanding, it's extremely difficult.
So, thank you for allowing me to do what I'm doing.
And, of course, I'd like to thank my children who are here as well.
Lola, Shona, and Aaron, including one of my grandchildren, if you say, Giselle.
You see, I'm a grandfather too.
And, of course, my son-in-law, David, who took time off work to be here to come and support
me today as well.
So, I can't complain.
I've been blessed beyond my imagination.
Of course, apart from losing my day since I came in, I thank my late dad and my gandad
with strict Yoruba or Muluabi values, as I keep on banging.
Because without those values, trust me, I wouldn't have been here.
I probably would have been gone astray.
To know more about that, you need to probably go out and read more about me and what made me
think, in my autobiography book, Unbroken, A Dream for My Sister.
It's on Amazon.
But what's important is that, if you look at this title very carefully, Unbroken, A Dream
for My Sister.
I'm standing here today.
You may not believe that I couldn't even read or write on the age of 13.
Unbroken, yes.
So, I went to school at the age of 13, 14.
If you didn't see all the letters after my name, some people would ask me, have you been
studying all your life?
No.
So, but my sister was denying that.
So, you can see where the passion come from.
Now, I want to tell people of South Bermondsey, who have been electing me, because without
them, I wouldn't be here, because you have to be a councillor first.
You know about Bermondsey, you know about Peckham, there are stories.
But for them, to put their trust in me, to elect me three consecutive elections, I want
to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I continue to serve you to the best of
my ability.
Thank you.
So, I'm now going to also my spiritual father, who's here today.
He wasn't meant to be here, to be honest.
But I say, Bishop Christopher, you've got to be here.
And he put everything aside.
I say, I'm going to be here to support you.
Because my relationship with the church, you have to go and read about that.
And Bishop Christopher, a champion, diversity, progression, without him, especially in this
borough, since I knew over the past two decades, the changes he made is remarkable.
So, I'm privileged to ask him to be my chaplain.
Will you accept, sir?
I accept.
Thank you.
Many years ago, I see Councillor Eliza Mann here.
And in your year as mayor, when I was Bishop of Woolwich, I also had the privilege and honour
of being your chaplain.
So, in my final year as Bishop, it is a great honour to be your chaplain, Sonny.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Lord Bishop Christopher.
I'm now going to announce the charities I intend to support throughout the year.
There are many charities I continue to support with my expertise and experience.
However, these three come across very prominently in the kind of Occupy with.
I can't choose all of them, but these three, Busy Bodies supports children and young people
across the borough, which is led by Emily Mendy.
Then, the second one is the United Arts, which provides preventive and supportive services
to women solving from abuse and domestic violence.
My sister was actually one of the victims of that.
So, my third one and final one, my wife and I and my son, Aaron, who's in the audience there,
we have a very good experience of King's College.
However, King's College groups that support, that reach out to staff and individuals
and I intend to support, you know, the King's College Hospital Wellbeing Initiative during my mayoral year.
And finally, I want to continue to serve as mayor for all, all people and all communities.
My mayoralty will be a celebration of our diversity, British values, value of tolerance, community service,
and spirit of togetherness by building on our unity and commitment to serving all peoples and communities across Southwark and beyond.
One love, one Southwark, one people united to serve.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Right.
We now consider the constitutional business.
I have received apologies for absence from councillors, Natasha Enning, councillor, Jasmine Ali, Yusuf Usain, Adam Hood, Rachel Lemmy, David Parton, and James Salmon.
Anybody else?
Any other apologies for absence or lateness?
None, Mr. Mayor.
Okay, none.
Thank you.
Before we consider the report, does any member wish to make a declaration?
None from me.
None, Mr. Mayor.
Okay, thank you.
I will now invite the Leader to the election to report on Cabinet Member Portfolios and Delegation of Executive Functions for 2025-26.
Thank you again, Mr. Mayor, and my congratulations again on your appointment.
Before I announce the changes to Cabinet this year, and spoiler, there's not a lot of changes, I just want to say a few other words.
Firstly, I want to say some thank yous.
Thank you to all of those who received awards this morning for the amazing work you do.
Thank you to all of our councillors, MPs, for the work you're doing for our community.
And thank you to everyone else in this room for the things you do for the people of Suffolk.
In this role, I do really get to see the difference you all make.
We have an utterly remarkable borough, and it's your work that makes it remarkable.
It's true, though, that we also live in some pretty hard times, and I don't think any of us would pretend otherwise.
14 years of austerity, leaving the EU that was such a wrench for many in this community,
a pandemic, the impact of war overseas, and the cost-of-living crisis, seeing our economy crashed by the last government.
It's kind of hard to keep hope going, hard to feel positive.
I speak to many people across our community who are worried about their future, about their children's future,
about their grandchildren's future.
Today, I wanted to try and leave you with a bit of hope, and then I'll talk about who's in the Cabinet.
So I want you to try and imagine something.
Imagine a place where the economy's growing and there's more and more jobs,
where pay's going up especially fastest for those in the lowest pay.
Imagine a place where the schools have been transformed from being pretty awful to being some of the best in the country,
where the number of children in care is going down,
where you're seeing thousands of new genuinely affordable homes being built for local people,
where you've got great parks and thousands of trees being planted.
We've got new leisure centres being built, new train stations being built, new libraries,
a place where there's real opportunity for people.
That's here, right? That's Suffolk.
That's exactly what's happening in our borough right now.
60,000 more jobs here now, in our borough, than there were a decade ago.
7,000 people lifted up to the London Living Wage through the work that we've done.
In this borough, we're creating more apprenticeships than any other council in the city.
Delivering more social rent homes.
Last year, more social rent homes finished in this borough than in any other in London.
Our schools, 95% good and outstanding.
Amazing work.
Trees planted, 30 green flag parks, the little things.
More EV charging points than anywhere other than three places in the country.
There are three that we're going to try and beat them as well.
A new leisure centre about to be opened.
A new sports centre in Burgess Park.
That's the work that we're doing here in this borough.
I want to thank all the Labour councillors who've made that happen.
I know you work incredibly long hours for your community every day of the week.
And I'm so glad for that work.
I want to thank our MPs as well, where we finally have a government who cares about these things.
Who's delivering change, more investment in affordable homes, work to sort out the rights of renters to improve the rights at work for people, especially on lower pay in our community.
But more than that, I want to thank everyone in this room.
Those schools that were improved, those people that got to move into new homes in our borough, that's a collective endeavour that you've all been part of.
And so whether you're someone who's stepped up to be the governor of your school, given your time for your Tenants and Residents Association,
or whether you've just said, you know what, I'm going to let someone build new council homes next door to me because someone else needs them.
You've all played your part.
And I am personally incredibly grateful for everything that people across this room do for our community.
Because Southwark is a place full of hope.
And it's full of amazing people that create that hope.
People like you, every person in this room.
So I want to say, with my hand on my heart, thank you to all of you.
So the reveal, which is not that much of a reveal.
The Cabinet.
And I do want to say a huge thank you to all of the Cabinet members for the work that you do every year.
I know you all work incredibly hard, and no leader could ask for a better team.
And I particularly want to send my thoughts to Jasmine Alley, who is recovering from operation at the moment.
Recovering well, and I know many of you have sent her well wishes.
But the Cabinet for the year ahead will continue to be Councillor Jasmine Alley, as Deputy Leader,
and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees.
It will also continue to be, you might spot a theme here,
Councillor Evelyn Okoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.
Councillor Portia Mangangje for Leisure, Parks and Young People.
Natasha Ennin for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods.
John Batterson for the Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business.
Stephanie Cryan for Equalities, Democracy and Finance.
Helen Dennis for New Homes and Sustainable Development.
Sarah King for Council Homes.
And James McCash for Clean Air, Streets and Waste.
I want to say a huge thank you to Emily Hickson and Bethan Roberts for the work that they've done
in their Cabinet roles, making a huge contribution.
So thank you very much, because they are both standing down this year.
So a huge thank you to you both.
Thank you.
And I then want to congratulate, continuing, Joseph Vambe, continuing with his Deputy Cabinet
role on Neighbourhoods, Sam Dalton on Supported Housing, Margie Newans on Cleaners, on a Cleaners
Suffolk, joining us as a new Deputy Cabinet Member, and likewise joining us, Reggie Popula
for Landlord Services.
As I said, a brilliant team, no leader could ask for better, and I really look forward to
the things that we will achieve together for our community over the year ahead.
We shall now consider Item 3.2 on the establishment of committees, neighbourhood forums, panels, and
nominations to the Local Government Association General Assembly.
There are no questions on the report.
The nomination for chairs and vice-chairs of committees, and the nomination for the Local
Government Association have been circulated.
There are five contested positions, so I first move to the vote on the contested position of
Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
May I remind that only councillors should vote on this, please.
Those in favour of councillor in Winfield.
45, okay.
Those in favour of Arina von Weiser.
Council Assemblies agree that councillor in Winfield be the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
I will now move to the vote on the contested position of Vice-Chair of Planning Major Applications Committee A.
Those in favour of Councillor CART Weitham.
Councillor CART Weitham be the Vice-Chair of Planning Major Committee A.
Major Applications Committee A.
I will now move to the vote on the contested position of Vice-Chair of Planning Major Applications Committee B.
Those in favour of Councillor CART Weitham.
Council Assemblies agree that the Vice-Chair of Planning Major Applications Committee A.
An
Council Assemblie has agreed that the Councillor CART Weitham is the Vice-Chair of Planning Committee A.
B, the Vice Chair of Planning Committee, Major Application B.
I will now move to the vote on the contestant position of Neighborhood Champion of North-West Area.
Those in favour of Councillor Emily Ixing.
You can't rest now.
Those in favour of Councillor David Wolfson.
Any abstentions?
Councillor Assemblies agreed by Councillor Emily Ixing, be the Neighborhood Champion of North-West Area.
I will now move on to the vote on the contestant position of Neighborhood Champion of North-East Area.
Those in favour of Councillor Bethann Roberts.
Those in favour of Councillor James Salmon.
Any abstentions?
Councillor Assembly has agreed that Councillor Bethann Roberts be the Neighborhood Champion of North-East Area.
There are no other contestant positions, so I will now move to the vote on the report and the nominations.
Nominations.
Those in favour?
Those against?
Oh, you say unanimous.
Ah, okay. All right. Thank you.
The report and nominations are encouraged.
Thank you.
Nominations to the London Assembly.
Yeah, okay.
We will now consider Item 3.3.
A list of nominations to London councillors, committees and borough lead members has been circulated.
I will now move on to the vote.
Is this agreed?
Agreed.
We will now consider Item 3.4, the Annual Report Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Does any member wish to speak on the report?
Councillor Ian Winfield.
Thank you, Your Worship, and congratulations on your election.
And also, thank you to the immediate past mayor for all her service over the last 12 months.
In line with the Council's constitution, I present this report to the Annual Council meeting.
Yet again, it has been an eventful year for scrutiny.
If I can make a sporting analogy, it has been a game of two halves.
Up until January, it was mainly our usual bogged-down, collapsing scrums.
But since then, we have seen a free-flowing movement in a team effort from all of us members.
Indeed, so much so that the Leader of the Opposition has been very constructive
and on occasion voiced his praise for Council policies and congratulated the Leader of the Council.
Perhaps he'll put that in the leaflet next year.
Don't hold your breath.
Yes, at first, I was taken aback by this.
I thought he might be unwell.
But as you have heard this morning, he's still very much in rude health.
But seriously, scrutiny is functioning as it should be in a collective response,
demonstrating that we are holding this Council to account on behalf of our local residents.
Housing has dominated our agenda, the Housing Recovery Plan being a key area of focus,
together with reports such as on the major works procurement on both Canada Estate and Devon Mansions,
and the overall calculation and application of leaseholder service charges.
We have continued to implement the recommendations of the Scrutiny Improvement Plan,
through consolidating the new call-in arrangements,
introducing the new Cabinet Scrutiny Protocol,
and pre-meetings which officers and members alike have found of great benefit.
The Scrutiny Commissions as well have been equally busy investigating such issues as send provision,
town centres, the E Street market renovation, streets for people, nursing care home delivery,
homelessness, and district heating networks.
In fact, of the 92 recommendations sent to Cabinet over the previous 18 months, only 6 were not agreed.
May I pay particular tribute to those members involved with both OSC and the Commissions over the last year.
They have fully engaged in the scrutiny process,
and this has been reflected in the quality of the reports completed,
which were ever, as ever in Southwark, of a high standard.
Finally, let me also pay tribute to the Cabinet members and officers,
because without them we can't perform scrutiny properly,
and your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
Yes, you can clap them if you wish.
It's given us and encouraged us to have a greater understanding of the issues that we've investigated,
and by doing so, guarantees our residents' confidence in the services that we have oversight upon.
So I recommend this report to the Annual Council meeting.
Thank you.
May I call Councillor Aruna from Vice to respond, please.
Mr Mayor, allow me to extend my warm congratulations,
and best of luck.
You have very big footsteps to follow.
A huge thank you is due to you, Madam Mayor,
for the tireless and truly amazing work you have done,
not just for residents of Southwark, but far beyond.
As a fellow stranger on this island,
I hope you have forgiven me for accidentally addressing you as Ms Mayor a year ago.
A lot has happened since.
Our world, locally, nationally and globally, is shifting in a dangerous direction.
The looming threat of far-right nationalism is noticeable not just in the news,
but also in the language that has now seemingly become acceptable in Westminster.
At the same time, democracy is backsliding.
Fewer people today live in a democracy than 20 years ago.
Some of the people present here today will have experienced what it means to live in the absence of democracy.
They will know what it's like to shut up and put up with bad government, abuse and poverty, for fear of persecution, like my parents did.
So let us not forget, please, how incredibly lucky we are to live in a democracy where institutions and ways exist to hold authorities to account.
This committee is called Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
It may just be a small keg and a large machine, but it is an essential part of how democracy works.
Its sessions are public and any member of the public can bring their questions.
Our role as an impartial body is to investigate, find answers and put things right.
Whether this is about fire safety in council homes, mishandling of taxpayers' money or closure of primary schools,
this is your committee.
It is your tool to speak truth to power and practice your democratic rights.
Do not take these rights for granted. Too many people don't have them.
We may not always get things right.
It may take longer than you hope to investigate and change things.
But your questions will be raised in public and the council has the duty to act on the recommendations of this committee.
Democracy cannot exist without a multi-party system and an opposition.
An opposition ensures that the majority party does not simply mark its own homework.
Last year, this council implemented a long overdue reform in enabling any five councillors to raise issues with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
No matter which party is in power or opposition, this is crucial for the effect.
Most importantly, however, most important remains the role of the public, of all of you, in speaking up when things go wrong.
This is your right. It's precious.
I will now move to the vote on the report recommendations.
Those in favour?
Unanimous.
Unanimous.
Unanimous.
Yeah.
Which is a conclusion.
Thank you.
That concludes the annual meeting.
I will now hand over to the Chair Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.
meeting. Thank you.
Back again. I won't keep you from your lunch.
The meeting of the overview and scrutiny
committee will now begin. Only members of the
overview and scrutiny committee will
participate and vote in the meeting.
I receive no apologies for absence from members of the
committee. Are there any other apologies?
No, thank you. Before we consider the report
Does any member wish to make a
declaration? No, thank you.
We shall now consider the item on the
establishment of the commissions of
OSC. A motion detailing the proposed
composition of the commissions
including their remit, nominations for
chairs and vice chairs and nominations
to the joint health overview and scrutiny
committee was circulated prior to
this meeting. I will now move to the vote
on the proposed motion. Is that agreed?
Agreed. Thank you. That concludes
the meeting. I will now hand over to the
chair of the audit Governance and Standards
Committee. Thank you.
Councillor Barry Hargrove, please.
The meeting of the audit Governance and Standards
Committee will now begin.
Only members of the audit Governance and Standards
Committee will participate and vote in the
meeting. I have received no apologies for absence.
Are there any other apologies for absence or
lateness? No.
Before we consider the report, does any member
wish to make a declaration? No.
We should now consider the item on the
establishment of the civic awards and conduct
subcommittees. A report with details of the
subcommittee was circulated prior to this meeting.
I will now move to the vote to establish the
subcommittees as detailed in the report.
The committee are asked to appoint the chairs and
vice chairs for the subcommittee at the next
meeting of the audit Governance and Standards
Committee. Is this agreed?
Thank you.
Thank you. That concludes the meeting.
Thank you.
Thank you all. Once again, huge
congratulations to the retiring mayor for all of her work
over the last year and to the new mayor. So please do be
upstanding for the mayor, retiring mayor, deputy mayor, mayors and
retiring mayor's consorts, the chief executive and monitoring
officer as they take their leave. Following the procession,
ticketing guests are invited to the retro choir where
refreshments will be served. Thank you all for your time today.
Thank you.
Thank you, everybody. Please do go and get some refreshments.
Thank you.